The Euro Trip | Eurovision Podcast

We meet the hosts of Eurovision 2026

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:50:00 GMT

In this special episode we sit down with Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski as they prepare to host the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.

In their first feature-length interview since being announced as this year's presenting duo, the pair reveal when they were first approached to present the shows, how they've been preparing for the event, and why they can always rely on yodeling to get them through any potential technical mishaps.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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Should live instruments be allowed at Eurovision?

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:01:00 GMT

This week we're heading to last year's host nation to meet Switzerland's singer-songwriter Veronica Fusaro. The Thun born performer tells us more about how her entry 'Alice' hid in plain sight for months before she was revealed as her country's Eurovision entry, while she also tells us she'll be playing the iconic guitar solo live on stage despite the rules.

Friend of the podcast and host of the Official Eurovision podcast Steve Holden also stops by as he reveals his favourite chats from the class of 2026 so far.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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Can the current odds predict the Eurovision 2026 winner?

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 23:01:00 GMT

With Eurovision 2026 getting ever closer, this week we take a step back to ask whether the odds can help us predict the final leaderboard? Eurovision expert and broadcaster Adrian Bradley returns to help answer that question, while we also ponder what the arrival of Eurovision Asia might mean for the European contest.

This week we also bring you a conversation with Jonas Lovv as he prepares to represent Norway, and there's a USA special edition of Eurovision Songs in the Wild.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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How the Eurovision Asia dream finally came true

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:01:00 GMT

After years of rumours, false starts and cancelled plans, the first ever edition of Eurovision Asia is set to arrive on our screens on Saturday 14th November.

Hosted in Bangkok, Thailand, the contest will see participants from at least ten countries compete, including South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.

On this bonus episode we're joined by Eurovision Director Martin Green, and Eurovision Asia Managing Director Marcus Tang, as we learn more about what to expect, how the show came together, and what impact Eurovision Asia could have on its European counterpart.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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The ultimate guide to the Eurovision 2026 host city

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT

In this special episode recorded during our recent visit to Austria we take you on a tour of Vienna as the city prepares to host this year's contest.

Alongside Vienna Tourism guide Gerd Brandstaetter we learn more about the city's incredible history, while we also visit the scenes of some of Eurovision's most memorable moments in the Austrian capital city.

Find out more by visiting Vienna Tourism's website, download the ivie app, and learn more about the “United by Queerness” exhibition.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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Why Delta Goodrem finally signed up for a Eurovision adventure

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT

We've got a big interview on the podcast this week as we meet the global superstar representing Australia in Vienna. Delta Goodrem joins us to explain why 2026 was the right time for her, whether she'd been asked to participate in the past, and how a Neighbours/Eurovision collaboration could be in the offing...

This week we're also heading to Vienna to find out more on what the host city has in store for visitors in May, and there's a chance to find out even more about the UK's Eurovision selection process too.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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Is the Eurovision 2026 winner already decided?

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT

National Final season is over, so do we now know who is winning this year's contest? Rob seems to think so as he shares a stunning prediction for who'll be lifting the glass microphone trophy in Vienna.

Callum's here for this week's podcast too, and the boys reflect on a busy week, including a look through the reaction after LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER's Eurovision entry was released last Friday. Later on we're also joined by one of the main contenders for the competition as Greece's Akylas chats cruise ship singing and why his song reflects the story of his life so far.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER on his Eurovision fever dream

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:50:00 GMT

As the UK's entry for Eurovision 2026 is finally released, we meet the man who'll be representing the UK in Vienna.

Speaking in his first feature-length interview since being revealed at the UK act, LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER tells us how his Eurovision story began, how his entry - Eins, Zwei, Drei - was written, and teases what we can expect from his stage show in Austria.

Watch LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER's Eurovision music video.

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Why Melfest 2026 could have a surprise winner

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT

We've reached the final of Melodifestivalen 2026, so who will left the famous trophy on Saturday night?

We cross to Stockholm as we're reunited with Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek to predict the winners and losers and who could be flying flag for Sweden in Austria.

Can anyone beat Felicia, could Greczula take it home, or will a complete outsider come from nowhere to win the whole competition?

We're also joined by five-time Melfest finalist Robin Bengtsson, and we look back at the whole series after an exciting six weeks on the road.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Melodifestivalen.

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Can Delta Goodrem get Australia back to the Eurovision Grand Final?

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT

As we enter the final week of National Final season, we react to the news a global pop superstar will be heading to Vienna.

With the rumours confirmed that Delta Goodrem will be representing Australia, we're joined by Dale Roberts from Aussievision to hear more on the reaction from down under, and ask whether Australia can make their first Grand Final since 2023.

After years of coming close, could 2026 finally be France's year? Music journalist Fabien Randanne is with us to discuss their entry, Monroe, sharing more about what we can expect from the 17 year old opera singer and reality TV show winner.

And it's UK Eurovision eve as the wait continues for LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER's entry to finally be released.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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Edward af Sillén on his Melfest songwriting debut

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

The man behind some of Melodifestivalen's most iconic moments reveals all about his decision to enter as a songwriter in 2026.

Speaking ahead of his song 'Delulu' (performed by Lilla Al-Fadji) competing in the final heat of this year's competition, he explains how he came to be involved and why this marks a full circle moment after more than two decades of being involved with Mello.

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What led to Sanna Nielsen's Melfest return?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

As she prepares to make her 8th appearance in the competition, Melfest icon Sanna Nielsen joins us to explain why now was the right time for her historic return. In one of her final interviews before taking to the stage in Sundsvall she share more on what we can expect from her song, performance, and eyecatching outfit.

This week we're also joined by Aftonbladet's Stina Dahlgren as she helps us make sense of last week's qualifiers, and predicts who will be the final names to make it through to the finale in Stockholm next weekend.

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What to expect from Eurovision Super Saturday

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

As we get set for the busiest weekend of National Final season so far, we're here to preview what we can expect from live shows in Germany, Finland, Norway and more.

Eurovision Content Creator Anni (ESC Factful) joins us to give her thoughts on who might join the class of 2026, while we also get her tips on how to make sure you don't miss a minute of the action.

We also head to Italy as Festival de Sanremo returns for the 76th edition of the historic contest.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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Can Smash into Pieces set more Melfest records?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

Callum sits in this week as we preview the penultimate Heat in this year's contest and the return of one of Sweden's biggest bands. Smash into Pieces return to Mello for the third time, but will this be their year? Mellopedia founder and Melodifestivalen expert Gustav Dahlander is here to answer that and many more questions.

We're also joined by newcomer and Idol winner Cimberley as she prepares to make her debut and open this weekend's show.

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Live from Vienna: inside ORF's Eurovision HQ

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

With special thanks to the teams at Vienna Tourism and ORF we're able to bring you closer to this year's show than ever before as we go behind the scenes with the host broadcaster's Eurovision team.

In this special episode recorded in the Eurovision 2026 host city, we chat to the people organising the contest and hear how the live shows will be unlike anything we've ever seen before. Later we're getting all the gossip from Vienna Calling, Austria's first National Final for a decade, and we sign off from a surprising Eurovision event in an even more unexpected location.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will represent the UK at Eurovision 2026

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:32:48 GMT

The news is out, LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will represent the UK at Eurovision in 2026 and we're here to give you all the best reaction. Recording in Vienna, this year's host city, we share our thoughts on whether this is a 'risky' move for the BBC and how the voters across Europe might respond.

We also find out more about what we can expect from the artist with two brilliant experts joining us to tell us more about his life, career and music.

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The Melfest Heat it's impossible to predict

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

As Melodifestivalen 2026 enters its third week, we're joined by ESC Insight's Ben Robertson as we attempt to predict who might make it through to the Final from Saturday's show.

We hear why a shock NQ could be on the cards for one of the competition's most-loved acts, why a debut performer could spring a surprise, and why we shouldn't believe the odds when it comes to the overall winner of the contest. We're also catching up with Melfest returner Patrik Jean ahead of him opening the show this weekend.

And to kick off we look back at last Saturday's show, asking whether Felicia is the artist to beat this year?

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Aidan & Eva make their Eurovision dreams come true

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

This week we welcome our first two members of the class of 2026 to join us on the podcast this season as we cross to Luxembourg and Malta. First up we hear how Eva Marija has made her childhood dream come true by represening her country, and how her love of the contest inspired her to take up music in the first place.

Later on Aidan shares his pride at the opportunity to take to the stage for his Eurovision crazy home nation, and we do our best to round-up another crazy week of National Final season.

Got a question for Rob and Callum and their Ask Me Anything bonus episode? Send us an email or leave a comment on Patreon.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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Can Felicia get her Melfest revenge this year?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

We're back to look ahead to the second week of this year's Melfest and the return (and debut) of Felicia. The artist who previously competed as her alter ego Fröken Snusk returns with a highly anticipated solo debut - so can she make it to the final? Music journalist Tina Mehrafzoon tells us more about her chances and the other artists performing on Saturday, including a return for former winner Robin Bengtsson.

Three-time Melfest winning songwriter Anderz Wrethov also joins us from his studio to talk about his chances of doing the double in 2026 after last year's victory with KAJ.

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Did the BBC really drop their Eurovision 2026 artist?

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

With reports that the BBC were forced to drop the United Kingdom's planned 2026 artist due to 'unacceptable comments' that had previously been made on social media, we aim to uncover what's really happening and where it leaves the BBC's selection process for Vienna.

We're also heading to Oslo to catch up with our Norwegian friends Mads Tørklep and Tarjei Strøm as they get us up to speed ahead of this year's Melodi Grand Prix.

We find out more about Alexander Rybak's return, learn the truth about Ylvis' decision to quit the contest, and hear about a very special interval act planned for the live show.

This year we're delighted to be teaming up with the Europarty app to help you bring even more enjoyment to this year's Eurovision season.

You can click here to purchase your tickets for the London Eurovision Festival.

Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month.

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Melfest 2026 gets ready to sparkle

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:01:00 GMT

We're back with a brand new season of Melfest Friday as we provide the best coverage of Melodifestivalen 2026. We'll be here every week with the best preview to the forthcoming weekend's action, including the best guests and behind the scenes gossip.

This week we begin with Aftonbladet's Eurovision veteran Tobbe Ek as he looks ahead to the coming weeks, while we also catch up with Jacqline on her return to the competition in this Saturday's first live show.

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Melfest & UMK battle for the National Final crown

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:01:00 GMT

***Episode recorded before the Eurovision 2026 host reveal***

With Finland and Sweden continuing to battle for National Final supremacy, we hear from both UMK and SVT as they strive to improve year on year.

UMK Show Producer Matti Myllyaho explains how the show continues to reinvent itself, how they seek international audiences across the continent and beyond, and the on-going hype surrounding this year's line-up.

Later on we also cross to Sweden for our annual pre-Melfest catch up with Melodifestivalen Executive Producer Karin Gunnarsson as the discusses the KAJ effect, the pressure to keep her country at the top of the Eurovision leaderboard, and how she chooses which artists make the cut each year.

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Why Sissal can't get enough of Eurovision

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:47:15 GMT

She's back! We head to Denmark to get the inside story on Sissal's Dansk Melodi Grand Prix return and why she has decided she wants to represent her country for the second year in a row. Friend of the podcast Ole Tøpholm joins us to share his thoughts and dicuss the rest of the line-up, while he also explains why he's more hopeful than ever that his nation could turn their Eurovision fortunes around.

Later on we also catch up with singer-songwriter Hannah Doorman who lifts the lid on her experience at the Malta Eurovision Song Contest.

Check out Hannah's Malta Eurovision Song Contest vlogs over on her socials.

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Eurovision Director Martin Green on the future of the contest

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:01:00 GMT

In his first full sit-down interview since the EBU General Assembly in December, we hear from the contest's Director about what's next for the competition.

Speaking after Eurovision's first ever arena tour was announced we hear more about what the future could look like in the wake of December's withdrawals, how important it is to protect public service broadcasting, and Martin Green's hope for a brighter future dispite the ongoing situation away from Eurovision itself.

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What next after Vienna's biggest Eurovision week so far?

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT

After the handover ceremony and ticket sale, we're delighted to be joined by Eurovision 2026 Executive Producer Michael Krön as he returns to the podcast with another update on how plans are progressing for next year's contest. He tells us what happens next, how the Reference Group has handled last month's General Assembly vote, and why Eurovision is his favourite job so far.

We also bring you exciting news about Eurovision's plans for a European tour this summer, and Adrian Bradley is with us to discuss the winners and losers from Monday's semi-final draw.

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Predicting the winner of Eurovision 2026

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:01:00 GMT

As the new year begins we attempt to predict the future of this year's contest, including what type of act the United Kingdom will send to Vienna, what the biggest surprise of Eurovision week will be, and which country will be holding the glass microphone trophy on Saturday 16th May.

We also hear from singer-songwriter Hannah Dorman who returns to the podcast ahead of her song "Shout It Out" competing in next week's Malta Eurovision Song Contest.

Share your Eurovision 2026 predictions with us and we'll do our best to give you a mention next week, and follow Hannah Dorman on socials here.

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Remembering our favourite moments from 2025

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT

As the year comes to an end we look back on an eventful year for Eurovision and reflect on some of our most memorable interviews.

From an agenda-setting conversation with Edward af Sillen, the build-up to Basel, and the tumultuous last few months, we've been with you every step of the way.

Thanks as always for your support and we hope you'll join us next year on the road to Vienna and beyond!

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RÚV's Director General on Iceland's Eurovision boycott

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT

One week on from Iceland's decision not to participate in next year's contest, we meet the man who signed off his nation's decision to quit Eurovision in Vienna. Stefán Eiríksson explains the importance of his broadcaster reflecting the mood of Iceland, and why he hopes his country will return to the competition in the coming years.

We also get the chance for our first interview with one the stars of Eurovision 2023 as presenter and singer Julia Sanina joins the podcast.

She tells us more about new music from her band The Hardkiss, and we ask whether she'll ever represent Ukraine at the contest?

You can watch the music video for "Ai Ai Ai" here.

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Can Eurovision ever be the same again?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT

We discuss the longer lasting consequences of last week's EBU General Assembly vote following Iceland's decision to join four other countries in quitting Eurovision 2026.

Recorded just hours after RÚV's decision, we hear from the broadcasters' Director General and debate whether other countries could join the growing boycott. After record numbers of you got in touch with your thoughts we share some of your opinions, and we're delighted to welcome Dr Barbara Leon to share her view on the impact the withdrawals could have on fans from the nations involved.

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Why Slovenia quit Eurovision 2026

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:46:29 GMT

The fallout from the EBU General Assembly vote continues as we hear from one of the broadcasters choosing to withdraw from next year's contest.

Natalija Gorščak is the President of the RTV Management Board in Slovenia, and gives her first feature-length interview since her nation quit Eurovision 2026.

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Countries boycott as Israel remains in Eurovision

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:57:10 GMT

With the news that Israel will be able to participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, we bring you the very latest news as at least four countries withdraw from the competition. We share reaction to the news that The Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia will be boycotting the event, sharing statements from their broadcasters and asking whether other countries could join them in quitting the contest.

We'll also look ahead to what the future of this year's event could hold? Whether two semi-finals are still sustainable? And whether Eurovision itself can survive the ongoing crisis with it's members split on an issue likely to continue to make headlines between now and Vienna.

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The most important week in Eurovision history

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:01:00 GMT

As broadcasters from across Europe and beyond convene for the 95th EBU General Assembly in Geneva, we preview the meeting that could decide the future of the contest. With a vote set to be held on the new measures introduced to safeguard the fairness of the contest, and another potentially being held on Israel's participation, we explain everything that could happen over the coming days.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding next year, there's plenty of National Final news to catch up on as we round up the latest headlines, and podcast favourites Tobbe Ek and Stina Dahlgren return as they take us through the artists competing in next year's Melodifestivalen.

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Stage design, hosts and interval acts: what happens next?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:01:00 GMT

We welcome Eurovision 2026 Executive Producer Michael Krön back to the podcast as he shares an update on how preparations are going for the contest in Vienna.

Speaking just a few days before the EBU General Assembly is held, he explains why he's looking forward a potential end to the political discourse, before teaseing some big announcements including the reveal of next year's stage design, the hosts, and how the organisers plan to mark next year's 70th anniversary.

We're also delighted to be joined by Sissal, Denmark's Eurovision queen who finally helped her country return to the Grand Final in Basel.

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Do the Eurovision voting changes go far enough?

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:35:06 GMT

As the EBU announce a number of changes to next year's public vote, we're here to ask whether they'll impact the contest in 2026?

Eurovision broadcaster Adrian Bradley joins Rob to discuss the measures, including a cap on the number of votes able to be cast, the return of the Jury vote to the semi-finals, an expansion in the size of the juries themselves, and new technology aimed at combating manipulation of the public vote.

Don't forget to share your thoughts on the changes with us too.

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Will politicians or broadcasters decide Eurovision's next steps?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:01:00 GMT

As the discussion around next year's event continues, we're joined by a Flemish MP and Belgian Senator who shares her view on the state of the competition.

Katia Segers tells us why she believes urgent changes are needed to ensure Eurovision continues for another 70 years, and why next year's edition is arguably the most important in the history of the contest.

We hear your views on what should change, and we delve into our archive as we share the surprising connection between one of the rumoured hosts of Eurovision 2026 and this very podcast.

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Why the Eurovision voting process needs to change

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:01:00 GMT

With all the talk surrounding who may or may not participate in the contest in Vienna, we turn our attention to the other hot topic set for discussion at the EBU General Assembly next month. With calls in the immediate aftermath of Eurovision 2025 for voting reform, we're joined by friend of the podcast, broadcaster Adrian Bradley to look at the possible changes needed.

Later on we also take a trip down memory lane as we celebrate Basel's brilliant postcards with Creative Director duo Luca Zurfluh and Jen Ries. They take us behind the scenes to reveal how they produced the memorable short films between each performance, and their favourite moments along the way.

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Canada & Eurovision: could it really happen?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:01:00 GMT

With the surprising news that the Canadian government and national broadcaster CBC are considering funding an entry into the Eurovision Song Contest, we discuss whether Canada could join the line-up for next year's competition in Vienna. We also celebrate the return of Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania, and look ahead to Eesti Laul after a number of former Estonian Eurovision stars were revealed to be competing next year.

Later on Dr Eurovision himself, Paul Jordan joins us as he explains how he helped selected the acts set to compete in January's Luxembourg Song Contest.

Read the latest news on Canada's potential Eurovision return

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What next for the UK at Eurovision 2026?

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:01:00 GMT

How can the United Kingdom return to the left-hand side of the leaderboard at Eurovision in Vienna?

After disappointing televote results in recent years, we look at the decisions facing the BBC as they look to turn around their fortunes in 2026. Music journalist Nick Levine joins us to give his view, while we share more news about who will be leading the search for the UK delegation this time around.

Later in the episode we reunite with friend of the podcast and Friend in London singer Tim Schou as he looks back on his career to date, and looks ahead to his new EP + some big live events on the way for him in the coming months.

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Check out Tim Schou's latest EP & watch Fernand's review of Eurovision 2025 here.

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Is the future of Eurovision in doubt?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:50:00 GMT

We're back with our first episode of the 2026 season as we begin our weekly episodes that will take us from now through until the contest in Vienna next May. Thing is, we don't know what Eurovision in Austria will look like, and who'll take part...

We attempt to explain the latest on the situation, whether member broadcasters will get the chance to vote on Israel's participation, and what happens next?

There's also some news from Albania and Montenegro, some excellent Eurovision song in the wild submissions, and the One Second Song returns!

And did we mention Rewind returns for a special look back at the last time Austria hosted a decade ago?!

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Eurovision at 70: live from the Radio Festival

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT

We give you a chance to hear a special conversation held at this year's Radio Festival hosted in London.

In a panel discussion produced by The Euro Trip podcast's Rob Lilley-Jones, you'll hear what happened when a line-up of fantastic guests talked about the past, present, and future of the contest, and why Eurovision continues to be a ratings winner on TV and radio.

Remember Monday also reflect on their experience as the UK entry, and we hear an acoustic version of their latest single.

The Euro Trip podcast will return in a fortnight as we start the journey to Vienna and Eurovision 2026.

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The Remember Monday reunion special

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT

Something special for you this week as we catch up with the UK's representatives from Eurovision 2025 to look back on their journey.

Lauren, Holly, and Charlotte join us to reflect on their experiences in Basel, including a choatic end to Grand Final night, their hopes of returning to the contest in the future, and how they are preparing for their first ever UK tour.

Buy your ticket to see Remember Monday on tour in the UK.

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The Contest & Me: Sergio Jaen

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT

The final episode of this series of The Contest and Me is here, and we're chatting to a Eurovision winner. Sergio Jaen led the creative team that inspired Austria to victory in 2025 and he reflects on that unforgettable night in Basel.

He also looks back on his earliest memories of the contest, how an iconic entry inspired him to work towards a career crafting captivating performances, and he explains more about what he'll be doing in his new role as Creative Director for Benidorm Fest 2026.

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Eurovision boycott crisis: what happens next?

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:52:25 GMT

In this emergency episode we discuss the increasing calls from across Europe for the EBU to make a decision on Israel's participation in next year's contest.

As Irish broadcaster RTE and AVROTROS from The Netherlands declare they won't be at the contest in Vienna unless action is taken, we hear how other participating nations are reacting, where this leaves the contest, and what might happen in the coming days.

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The Contest & Me: Felix Bergsson

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT

The penultimate episode of this year's edition of The Contest & Me is here, and we're catching up with an old friend as Iceland's former Head of Delegation guides us through his varied Eurovision career.

Felix Bergsson explains how he could have represented his nation on their contest debut in the 1980s, and how he unexpectedly ended up working at his first Eurovision after the tragic passing of his friend back in 2011. From life in the commentary box to his time on the Reference Group and more, this is a fascinating conversation.

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We meet Eurovision 2026 Executive Producer Michael Krön

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:30:04 GMT

We meet Eurovision 2026's new Executive Producer as preparations begin for next year's contest in Vienna.

In a wide ranging interview he discusses the finances available to organise the competition, when we can expect news on the hosts, stage design and creative concept, and how the situation involving Israel is impacting the work of the host broadcaster.

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The Contest & Me: Heidi Stephens

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT

For this week's episode we're going behind the scenes at Eurovision HQ to chat to one of the EBU's Digital Team.

Heidi Stephens first started covering the contest blogging for The Guardian in the mid-2000s, fast forward to today and she's among the first people to see artists take to the stage for their first rehearsals each year.

During this interview we'll hear how a UK winner helped her connect with the competition as a child, how she started covering the event in her pyjamas, and make sure you keep listening for an incredible moment from Rotterdam featuring one of Eurovision's most surprising participants.

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The Contest & Me: Mikko Silvennoinen

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 23:01:00 GMT

They are one of the contest's most beloved Eurovision countries, this week Finland's commentator joins us for a fascinating insight into his career so far.

Looking back to his earliest memory back in the mid-eighties, to what happens when the unexpected happens on stage, Mikko shares his most memorable moments from the commentary box. He also gives his view on the current controversies surrounding Eurovision, and even offers to share UMK with the BBC if it helps get the United Kingdom back towards the top of the final leaderboard.

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Vienna chosen to host Eurovision 2026!

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 16:20:34 GMT

We're live in the host city of next year's contest to get all the reaction from the Austrian capital as they win the right to host the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.

We go behind the scenes of the live announcement to hear when the city were told the good news, how the public are reacting, and what happens next now we've secured a location for the 2026 edition of the contest. We're also reunited with Letizia Elia, Basel's Director of Tourism as she shares her emotions a year on from her own city's success, and the EBU's Martin Green is back to help explain why Vienna are the perfect host city for a special anniversary year.

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The Contest & Me: ESC Factful

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 23:01:00 GMT

Another week and we're already on to our second episode of the new series of The Contest & Me as some of Eurovision's favourite personalities join us to explore their own relationship with the contest. This week we're delighted to say we'll be joined by one of Eurovision's biggest influencers and content creators as Anni - better known as ESC Factful - joins us to share her Eurovision story.

She tells us more about her time growing up in Finland, the moment that made her fall in love with the contest, and a full circle moment with fan favourite Käärijä,

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Martin Green explains why Eurovision has an exciting new look

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:59:00 GMT

For the first time in over two decades, Eurovision has a new look. To mark the occasion we were granted an exclusive broadcast interview with Director of the Eurovision Song Contest Martin Green, as he reveals more about the rebranded visual identity of the contest.

We learn why a change was needed, how the branding came together, and how this marks the start of a new chapter for the world's biggest television show. Martin also gives an update on the rest of his to-do list ahead of next year's contest, including when we can expect to hear whether we'll be headed to Innsbruck or Vienna for 2026.

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The Contest & Me: Kaleen

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 23:01:00 GMT

We're back with a brand new series of The Contest and Me as we bring you more insightful conversations with some of Eurovision's biggest names. Returning for its fifth season, we find out more about each guest's special relationship with the contest, as well as hearing some of their brilliant stories from their time involved with the world's biggest television show.

To kick off the season we're delighted to be joined by Kaleen, Austria's representative from the 2024 contest in Sweden. She tells us more about how her Eurovision journey started as a stand-in performer, how a new relationship introduced her to fans of the competition, and how rejection led to her taking to the stage in Malmö.

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Ask Me Anything: The changes we'd like to see to the Eurovision voting process

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 23:01:00 GMT

We're back with another Ask Me Anything episode as we tackle your questions about the contest. They include...

Who do you think will be the next country to win for the first time?
What are the changes you think are required in the jury and in the televote systems?
If you were Executive Producer, what kind of shows would you create?
Emerson on Instagram
What is your favourite entry from the UK?
If you had a time machine which 20th century contest would you love to go back and do a full season of The Euro Trip podcast on?
What is the Eurovision fact you like to have in your pocket to tell non-fans of the contest?

Thank you for sharing your questions, and we'll be back with another bonus episode very soon.

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What really happens at a Eurovision Songwriting Camp?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:01:00 GMT

In an episode first released on our Patreon, we speak to singer-songwriter Hannah Dorman who lifts the lid on life writing songs for Eurovision 2026. After her viral series showcasing life behind the scenes at camp, we hear more about the process, including what happens in those all-important sessions.

Hannah gives us her perspective on how Eurovision is perceived in the industry, responds to criticism of the camps, and explains what happens between now and next year's contest.

Find out more about DWB Music Publishing & LinkinTrax and follow Hannah Dorman on Instagram and TikTok.

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Martin Österdahl quits as Eurovision Executive Supervisor

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 23:01:00 GMT

We record a special episode discussing Martin Österdahl's Eurovision legacy and ask what could happen next for the European Broadcasting Union?

Plus we identify some of the candidates we believe could be best placed to become the new Executive Supervisor.

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Ask Me Anything: Our second favourite Eurovision song & more!

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 23:01:00 GMT

We give you a chance to hear this special bonus episode over on Patreon as we answered your burning questions.

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We say goodbye to the Eurovision 2025 season

Tue, 27 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT

In our season finale we look back at our favourite moments from the last year, which ended with JJ's victory for Austria in Basel. We head back to Malmö and an eye-opening conversation with Edward af Sillén, reminisce over our first meeting with Remember Monday, and revisit our first interview with the new Eurovision winner.

There's also time for even more fun from The Euro Trip: Live, and we crown our new One Second Song champion.

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What happens next after Austria's Eurovision win?

Tue, 20 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT

After Austria's victory, we look back at a triumphant night for JJ and speak to those who helped make Austria's win happen.

Speaking just moments after the winner was announced, we speak to Teya, Segio Jaen, Austria's Head of Delegation, and Marvin Dietmann, to get their reaction to the contest heading across the Alps next year.

We also ask what next for the United Kingdom, and reflect on Basel's Eurovision legacy.

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Your ultimate guide to the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final

Fri, 16 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT

We're here with our final episode from Basel as we're joined by a whole host of fantastic guests to preview Saturday's show. Head of Contest Christer Björkman kicks things of by explaining how he put together the Running Order for the show, while we also hear from the main contenders to take home the trophy, Sweden, Finland, France and Austria.

Head of Delgations Felix Bergsson and Mads Tørklep speak to use after The Euro Trip: Live to preview the final for Iceland and Norway, and Theo Adams also returns to the podcast to explain his concept for Zoë Më and Switzerland.

And to finish we're heading back to the UK and Artemis College as their former Deputy Head (Charlotte Steele) prepares to represent the United Kingdom.

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Denmark finally return to the Eurovision Grand Final

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:24:05 GMT

We now have our 26 finalists, with Denmark amongst them for the first time since 2019. Reacting to the news we chat to both a Danish journalist and a member of their delegation, before moving on to the shock of the night...Australia failing to qualify for the Final for the second year in a row.

Later we also hear whether Ireland need to change strategy after their non-qualification, Luxembourg celebrate another spot in Saturday's show, and we ask whether Finland are the only country who could challenge Finland for the win?

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From the Milkshake Man to Malta: your guide to Semi-Final 2

Wed, 14 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT

Ahead of the second Eurovision semi-final, we're reunited with Go-Jo to chat about this European travels, words of affirmation, and his magnetic stage presence.

For the first time we also meet Malta's Eurovision diva - Miriana Conte - and Eurovision legend Gjon's Tears teases more about his upcoming performaces later in Eurovision week.

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The winners and losers from Eurovision 2025 Semi-Final 1

Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:39 GMT

We've had the first live show of Eurovision week, and we react to a dramatic evening as we hear from journalists and fans from Portugal, Estonia, Norway and Sweden. After their shock NQs we also discuss Belgium and Cyprus, before hearing from Dane Chalfin, the vocal coach preparing Remember Monday to take to the stage for the first time this Thursday.

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Basel Briefing: listeners' top 10 of Eurovision 2025

Tue, 13 May 2025 09:38:05 GMT

We give you a chance to hear a small clip from our first Basel Briefing episode available in full exclusively on Patreon. In this section you can hear us reveal who you, The Euro Trip podcast listeners, voted for as your top 10 of Eurovision 2025.

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Eurovision favourites KAJ join us for our semi-final preview

Mon, 12 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT

The first live show is upon us, and we're joined by the Finnish band hoping to bring the contest back to Sweden for a record eighth time. We chat to Kevin, Axel, and Jakob about how their are preparing for the first semi-final, and how the plan on protecting that all important sauna sausage.

We also hear from Kyle Alessandro and his love of caffiene, and Eurovision winner Jørgen Olsen tells us his return to Eurovision after over 20 years.

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Live from the Eurovision 2025 Turquoise Carpet

Sun, 11 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT

We've arrived in Basel, and we start our coverage of Eurovision week in style with the biggest Turquoise Carpet and Opening Ceremony event in the history of the contest. We're reunited with Remember Monday, have our first catch up with Tommy Cash, and have one of the strangest interviews ever with this year's hosts.

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Ace Bowerman reveals the UK's staging plans for Eurovision 2025

Sat, 10 May 2025 16:24:03 GMT

In an exclusive conversation we sit down with the Creative Director behind Remember Monday's performance in Basel.

In a wide ranging interview, Ace Bowerman tells us more about what to expect from the staging, how the concept for the song developed, and how they became the UK's Creative Director in the first place.

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The final countdown to Eurovision 2025

Wed, 07 May 2025 15:44:48 GMT

It's our final weekly episode before we head to Basel! We're chatting to the producers putting the finishing touches to the live shows and finding out all the latest gossip on what we can expect next week. First up we're reunited with friends of the podcast, Executive Producers Reto Peritz and Moritz Stadler, while later in the episode we're joined by Show Producer Yves Schiffele who reveals all about the opening and interval acts, and a potential return for Celine Dion.

Want to join Orla's Semi-Final watch parties in Edinburgh, head here to buy tickets for Semi-Final One and Semi-Final Two.

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News about this week's episode...

Tue, 06 May 2025 16:00:00 GMT

We bring you an update about this week's regular episode of The Euro Trip podcast, being released this Wednesday.

Want to listen to our interview with Eurovision 2025 Head of Show Yves Schefferle right now? Click this link to sign up to The Euro Trip + on Patreon for just £4.99 a month, which includes access to our exclusive Basel Briefing episodes dropping from Monday 12th May.

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Introducing... The Basel Briefing!

Thu, 01 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT

If you’ve always wanted more of The Euro Trip in your life, we’ve got something just for you.

On top of our usual free daily episodes during Eurovision week that you’ve come to know and love over the last few years, we’re giving you the chance to find out more about what we get up to in the Eurovision host city.

The Basel Briefing is a series of extra daily podcast episodes hosted by Rob Lilley-Jones and Callum Rowe who will take you even further behind the scenes in Basel.

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How did Remember Monday's Húsavík cover happen?

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 23:01:00 GMT

This week we're heading to Iceland to find out how the UK entry ended up in a tiny Icelandic town on their pre-Eurovision promotional tour. We meet the man who organised their music video as they covered the iconic track from the Eurovision movie, and hear more gossip about what they got up to on their Icelandic adventure.

Later in the podcast we also meet Latvia's representatives, Tautumeitas, and we launch the Basel Briefing.

Head to Patreon to sign up to access our exclusive Basel Briefing bonus episodes & to support the podcast, head to Buy Me A Coffee.

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Spoiler alert: staging secrets of Eurovision 2025 revealed!

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 23:01:00 GMT

In an exclusive interview, Contest Producer Christer Björkman reveals all about some of the eyecatching performances we can expect to see in Basel. Speaking to us from his office in Switzerland, he tells us about some of the never-seen-before staging plans certain countries are preparing, and how his role is helping shape this year's Eurovision. Read more about our chat with Christer here.

We're also sticking around in Basel for another opportunity to find out more about this year's host city, plus Niklas Torsell tells us more about the role of a PR Manager, and the importance of building the hype around an artist as Eurovision approaches.

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Behind the scenes at the London Eurovision Party 2025

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 23:01:00 GMT

In a week where the Eurovision world descends on London, we bring you all the action from this year's London Eurovision Party. Recorded live at the venue we're chatting to friends old and new as we find out more about this year's artists and how their preparations are going with just a few weeks to go before the contest in Basel.

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We meet Eurovision 2025's Queen of TikTok

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:01:00 GMT

Rob's back from his holiday, just in time for our biggest episode ever! We've got four brilliant guests as this year's contest gets ever closer...

We catch up with Danish entry Sissal to hear more about her performance plans, why she hated her staging in the National Final, and her plans for social media domination. There's also a chance to hang out with friend of the podcast Steve Holden, Sergio Jaen is back with more clues on what he has planned for Austria, Cyprus and Finland, and we also head back to Switzerland for another edition of the Bouce to Basel!

Buy tickets for the live recording of the Official Eurovision podcast in London here.

Buy tickets for Manchagen 2025, the UK's biggest Eurovision celebration.

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What to expect from this year's Eurovision host city

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 23:01:00 GMT

Got tickets for this year's contest? In this week's episode we bring you a tour of Basel and all the sights and sounds you can expect if visiting this May.

We visit some of the city's most famous landmarks, its best views, and learn more about it's fascinating history.

Want to book your own tour? Click this link to book through the official Basel Tourism website.

Buy tickets for Manchagen 2025, the UK's biggest Eurovision celebration.

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Remember Monday's Eurovision promotion plans

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:01:00 GMT

With the first semi-final of the contest in Basel just seven weeks away, we meet the record label plotting the UK's route to Eurovision success. Chatting in an exclusive interview, Co-Founder of The Other Songs, Billy Webber, tells us more about his team's plans for Remember Monday over the next few weeks.

We're also catching up with another of the class of 2025 as Norway's Kyle Alessandro joins us from Oslo to discuss staging, revamps, and his love of energy drinks.

And stay tuned for a Eurovision Song in the Wild submissing involving Elvis, a bear, and a Las Vegas hotel.

Buy tickets for Manchagen 2025, the UK's biggest Eurovision celebration.

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How to manage a Eurovision artist

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:01:00 GMT

With musicians across Europe (and Australia) preparting for Eurovision, Artist Manager Lulu Davis gives us a special insight into what it's like to take your artist to the Eurovision Song Contest.

Having managed Australian band Voyager for years, she describes what it took to get them considered for the contest, the moment that SBS confirmed they'd like to send them to Eurovision, and how she worked with the band to take them to a top ten finish in Liverpool.

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Can Austria really challenge for the win at Eurovision 2025?

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:01:00 GMT

We meet one of the favourites for the contest as JJ joins us from Vienna to talk about his plans for Basel. We learn more about the unique staging he hopes to bring to the competition, and how he's heading back to the opera house before embarking on his promotional tour of Europe.

From there we head to Australia and meet their artist, the brilliantly charismatic Go-Jo to learn more about the mythical Milkshake Man, and stick around for a very exciting announcement!

Buy tickets for Manchagen 2025, the UK's biggest Eurovision celebration.

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How the UK's Eurovision 2025 entry was written

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:01:00 GMT

We continue the reaction to Remember Monday's reveal as the UK's 2025 entry as we meet songwriter Thomas Stengaard. He tells us more about the process to create their song and the inspiration behind the track. We also hear from regular guest Nick Levine as he gives us his thoughts on how the girls might do in Basel.

And with selection season at an end, we're joined by a very familar face to take a look at who might content for this year's trophy.

Buy tickets for Manchagen 2025, the UK's biggest Eurovision celebration.

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Melfest Friday: how KAJ won Melodifestivalen

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:15:13 GMT

We have a winner, KAJ will represent Sweden at Eurovision 2025 after a historic result in the final of Melodifestivalen. Songwriter Anderz Wrethov joins us to relfect on a memorable evening, and reveals how "Bara Bada Bastu" ended up becoming part of this year's competition.

Anderz terms us more about the process of writing the song, how a call from show producer Karin Gunnarsson changed everything, and his hopes as the band head to Switzerland for this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

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Meet the UK act for Eurovision 2025... Remember Monday!

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:06:14 GMT

On the day they were announced as representing the United Kingdom at Eurovison this year, Remember Monday sit down for their only feature length interview. Holly, Lauren and Charlotte describe their excitement now the news if finally official, how they tried (and failed) to keep their participation secret, and how important their friendship will be on the road to Switzerland. Special thanks to the BBC for making this interview possible, and to Adrian Bradley for recording today's episode.

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Melfest Friday: Måns Zelmerlöw vs KAJ

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:01:00 GMT

We've made it, the road to Stockholm is at an end and it's time to preview the final of Melodifestivalen 2025. We're joined by the brilliant Aftonbladet duo Jenny Agren and Tobbe Ek to predict what might happen, and ask who will represent Sweden in Basel? We look ahead to the battle between Måns Zelmerlöw and KAJ, as well as asking if anyone else stands a chance of winning on Saturday night?

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Can Germany be the best of the 'Big Five' in Basel?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:01:00 GMT

After an exciting National Final, we ask whether Germany are right to be optimistic of a positive result in Switzerland? Head of Delegation and friend of the podcast, Alexandra Wolfslast returns to explain why she's so confident, and explain what really happens at the Head of Delegation meeting once all the songs have been selected.

The Euro Trip's own Callum Rowe is here to describe life on the jury for Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, and with the UK's act set to be announced imminently, we look back at the potential alternative history of the United Kingdom in Eurovision.

Buy tickets for Manchagen 2025, the UK's biggest Eurovision celebration.

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Will SCARLET be the real winners of Melodifestivalen 2025?

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:01:00 GMT

We've made it, the final heat of Melodifestivalen 2025. Ahead of this weekend's live show we meet two of the most talked about acts as Victoria Silvstedt and SCARLET join us to tell us what to expect from their entries this weekend. And with SCARLET tipped as potential winners, how are they dealing with the pressure?

We also look back at last week's live show, asking if Måns Zelmerlöw or Kaj are the real contenders going into the final next week. Melfest expert and friend of the show, Gustav Dahlander joins us this week, and he's brought some excellent facts and stats with him too!

Check out Mellopedia here.

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Time for Eurovision to scrap 100% televote semi-finals?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:01:00 GMT

With more and more songs being selected for Eurovision in Basel, we debate a hot topic at the contest with a member of the Reference Group. Icelandic Head of Delegation Felix Bergsson joins us to discuss his act for Switzerland - VÆB - and his own personal feelings on whether we should see the juries return to the semi-finals.

And with another busy weekend in store, we're joined by another wishlist guest, Eurovision songwriter Julie Aagaard, aka. Kill J. She explains how the songwriting process works, what really happens at a songwriting camp, and how you cope with the stressful selection season.

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What to expect from Måns Zelmerlöw's Melodifestivalen return

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:01:00 GMT

Ahead of Heat 4 of this year's Mello we've got everything you need to know as the Eurovision champion prepares for his Melodifestivalen comeback. Aftonbladet's Jenny Ågren joins the podcast to describe Måns Zelmerlöw's impressive stage show, asking whether he can win right to represent Sweden, and challenge for another Eurovision title? We also analyse the chances of Saturday's other competitors, including a 10th Melfest appearance for Alcazar star Andreas Lundstead.

Before all that we also look back at last week's show and Greczula's impressive performance, and whether we should be shocked by Malou Prytz surprise NQ.

Got a Melfest memory to submit for next week's episode? Email hello@eurotrippodcast.com

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Will Olly say 'yes' to representing Italy at Eurovision 2025?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:01:00 GMT

We criss-coss Europe on this week's episode as we head to Italy, Germany and Norway to look back on a busy weekend. Journalist Marta Cagnola gives us the lowdown on Sanremo, and explains why Olly is taking his time to decide whether to represent Italy in Basel.

Benjamin Hertlein from ESC Kompakt does his best to explain Chefsache ESC, and we're live in Norway chatting to the stars of Melodi Grand Prix, and a few very special guests enjoying the show in Oslo.

Buy tickets for Manchagen 2025, the UK's biggest Eurovision celebration.

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Is this Malou Prytz's best Melfest entry yet?

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:01:00 GMT

The year's Melodifestivalen continues as we enter the third week of the competition. We preview the third heat as Malou Prytz returns for her fourth appearance at Melfest, and she's still on 21 years old! She tells us why this year feels different, and how her track "24k Gold" feels like a more authentic track compared to her previous Mello entries.

TV and radio presenter and producer, Tina Mehrafzoon, joins us to look back at last week's action, before sharing her predictions on who could qualify to Strawberry Arena on Saturday.

Got a Melfest memory to submit for next week's episode? Email hello@eurotrippodcast.com

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Can Czechia fight for the Eurovision victory?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:01:00 GMT

Since their debut in the contest back in 2007, Czechia have achieved two top 10 positions, but never lifted the famous glass microphone trophy. Could all that change in Basel this May? We meet Czech entry Adonxs and hear how his preparations are continuing for the competition, and ask how he came up with his excellent stage name.

We're also back in Norway ahead of this weekend's Melodi Grand Prix, and there's a welcome return for your Eurovision Song in the Wild submissions.

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Bonus: inside the creative mind of Sergio Jaen

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:01:00 GMT

Ahead of UMK, we speak to the show's Creative Consultant, Sergio Jaen, all about about what we can expect from the live show.

Since he first made waves in the Eurovision world staging Bambi Thug's unforgettable performance in Malmö, he has been in a man in demand. Later working on last year's Junior Eurovision in Barcelona, he was recruited to sprinkle some of his creative genius on Finland's national selection.

Sergio explains why we'll be seeing him in Basel, and also why he has great taste when it comes to Eurovision podcasts...

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Melfest Friday: can Klara win on her return to Mello?

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:01:00 GMT

We're back with a preview of the second heat of this year's Melodifestivalen as Klara Hammarström returns to the competition.

Before we discuss the action in Gothenburg we look back at the first week's live show, and whether we should be surprised with the results and qualifiers we've seen so far? This week Stina Dahlgren from Aftonbladet joins us to preview the action, and has plenty of great opinions to share, including her prediction of who we'll see again in Strawberry Arena come the Final.

Got a Melfest memory to submit for next week's episode? Email hello@eurotrippodcast.com

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Exclusive: BBC Eurovision team reveal their plans for 2025

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:01:00 GMT

In an exclusive conversation, we head to BBC Broadcasting House to meet the people responsible for choosing the UK's act for Basel.

Chatting for the first time since being announced as the men leading the UK's Eurovision search, Andrew Cartmell and David May discuss the process of selecting the artist and song, including what they looked for in the perfect act, and how this year may see the United Kingdom try out a different genre as they search for success.

There's also plenty of clues around who the selected artist could be, and when we're likely to hear them officially announced as the UK act for 2025.

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Bonus: Karin Gunnarsson on the class of Melfest 2025

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:01:00 GMT

Speaking on the eve of a new season, Melodifestivalen's Contest Producer tells us how she puts together the line up of artists and songs for Sweden's biggest TV show. Having worked on numerous previous editions of the show, she discusses having the power to change someone's life, why Sweden still love Mello, and how long it took her to persuade Måns Zelmerlöw to return to the competition.

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Melfest Friday: 2025 Preview

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:01:00 GMT

The new season of Melodifestivalen is here as we preview all the action ahead of six weeks of frenzied competition. On this first episode we're joined by Aftonbladet journalist and Mello expert Tobbe Ek as we discuss who could take home the trophy in Stockholm this March.

Rob and Tobbe also preview Heat One, and we hear from singer Adrian Maceus ahead of his Melfest debut this Saturday.

Got a Melfest memory to submit for next week's episode? Email hello@eurotrippodcast.com

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Live from Basel: the Eurovision Semi Final draw

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:52:21 GMT

In a special episode from the host city of this year's contest, we bring you all the biggest names as we mark the official start of Switzerland's hosting of Eurovision 2025.

Recorded just minutes after the end of the live broadcast, we catch up with Contest Producer Christer Björkman, while Executive Producer duo Reto Peritz and Moritz Stadler also update us on the progress of the host broadcaster as they continue to prepare for the live shows.

Two of the European Broadcasting Union's most important people also join us as Eurovision Director Martin Green gives us his thoughts on recent developments, including the lack of accessible tickets for fans, and Martin Österdahl returns to the podcast to reflect on a difficult twelve months, and look ahead to the future.

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This episode was brought to you in collaboration with This Is Basel.

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Does Finland deserve its Eurovision hype?

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:01:00 GMT

After the artists and songs in the running to represent Finland were revealed, we discuss UMK, and how the Finns continue to search for their first contest win in nearly 20 years.

We're joined by two brilliant guests to find out more about the line-up, with both Jaakko Oleander-Turja and Show Producer Matti Myllyaho joining us for a chat.

Podcast regular Callum also stops by as the boys discuss MGP, Sanremo, and a very exciting announcement...

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Edward af Sillen reveals what really happened at Eurovision 2024!

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:01:00 GMT

Edward af Sillen is Eurovision royalty, as the scriptwriter and director of the contests in 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2024, he holds a special place in the history of the event. In his first broadcast interview since last year's contest in Malmö, Edward shares his honest account of what happened behind the scenes. Discussing everything from Petra Mede's Eurovision return, voting technical issues and the Netherlands disqualification, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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Eurovision 2025 predictions

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:01:24 GMT

We're back for the new year, and we've come armed with our predictions for the contest in Basel. Based on the little information we have so far, Rob and guests attempt to work out how the UK might do, which country could find themselves missing out on the Grand Final, and who could ultimately be crowned the winners?

Alongside Louise Holst from the Eirevision podcast, we also discuss Ireland, and their hopes on another positive result this year. And we're also reunited with a friend of the show as Creative Director Dan Shipton joins us to explain what's happening behind the scenes as delegations prepare to reveal their artist and song.

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Festive special: Rewind Eurovision 1989

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:01:36 GMT

As we await the New Year and Basel's year as Eurovision hosts, we go back in time to the last time Switzerland staged the contest. In this special edition of our Rewind series we hear more about the preparations for the event, Celine Dion's return to the Eurovision stage, and how the UK came close yet again. We also learn more about the two nation's making controversial Eurovision history, and how a first-time winner shocked audiences by taking the win.

A special thank you to the EBU, and Chris West's book 'Eurovision! A History of Modern Europe Through the World's Greatest Song Contest' for helping with our research for this episode.

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The Eurovision 2025 Exec Producers answer your questions!

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:01:03 GMT

After a big week for Eurovision 2025 we now have our branding, visual identity, and slogan for next year's contest. As a pre-Christmas treat we sit down with the contest's two Executive Producers' Reto Peritz and Mortitz Stadler, as they answer your questions. The duo discuss other major announcements coming over the next few weeks and months, as well as hinting at changes they'd like to make to the competition.

And before we sign off for the year, we also look ahead to what the BBC could do to improve the UK's fortunes in 2025. Music journalist Nick Levine joins us to discuss a possible return to the lefthand side of the scoreboard, and where things went wrong in Malmö.

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The city of Basel reveal their Eurovision plans

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:01:21 GMT

With Eurovision 2025 six months away, we hear more about the city's preparations to host next year's contest. Project Manager Beat Läuchli gotes into detail about what fans can expect, with exciting news about the Eurovision Village, a viewing party for ticketless visitors, and plenty of other exciting suprises.

After this week's bonus episode with Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, we also discuss the EBU's planned changes to help imrove the situation for delegations behind the scenes, and what we might expect.

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Exclusive: Eurovision's new Director on the big changes coming to the contest

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:10 GMT

Just over a month into his new role as Director of the Eurovision & Junior Eurovision Song Contest, Martin Green CBE sits down for an exclusive conversation. He first appeared on The Euro Trip after a successful year as Managing Director of the contest in Liverpool, now he tells us more about his new role, helping implement changes aimed at strengthing brand Eurovision, and improving artist welfare for those taking part in the competition.

He tells us more about Eurovision's “future road map” process, launched after Malmo 2024, with the EBU is making several key changes to improve communication, wellbeing, and enhance the positive experience of everyone attending the Eurovision Song Contest.

These include the introduction of a new Code of Conduct and Duty of Care Protocol, based on the existing rules, which will ensure clear roles and responsibilities for all those involved in the event.

There will also be some changes to the rehearsal schedule coming for 2025 too.

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Celebrating 30 years since Eurovision victory

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:01:31 GMT

As Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan release a new Christmas single, we head into the archives to mark three decades since Ireland won the contest for the third year in row. To mark the occasion we give you another chance to listen to the Paul and Charlie's memorable podcast appearance again, as they recall that famous night in Dublin.

Elsewhere we take a listen to the first song to qualify for Basel, as Neoneon look set to represent Montenegro in Switzerland, and we champion those retro Eurovision classics that should never be forgotten!

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Can Måns Zelmerlöw win Eurovision again?

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:01:58 GMT

He's back! With 2015's Eurovision champion returning to Melfest, we head to Stockholm to ask whether he can really win the contest again? Tobbe Ek and Stina Dahlgren from Aftonbladen help us answer that question, while we also get the latest on the other contenders looking to represent Sweden in Basel.

From one Eurovision powerhouse to another, we then head to Luxembourg as they reveal more details for 2025's edition of the Luxembourg Song Contest, as the tiny nation look to improve on their impressive result in Malmö on their Eurovision return.

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All change for Norway's Eurovision selection show

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:33:51 GMT

We're granted an exclusive interview with the new team behind Norway's Melodi Grand Prix, as they prepare for their first year in the Eurovision hot seat. Speaking on the day big changes are announced, Callum Rowe sits down with MGP's new Music Director, Tarjei Strøm, and the show’s Project Manager and recently appointed Eurovision Head of Delegation, Mads Tørklep.

The pair discuss their history with both MGP and Eurovision, their aims for 2025, and also tease some very exciting information about the forthcoming lineup reveal as we get set to find out who will represent the nation in Basel.

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The inside story of Stefan Raab's Eurovision return

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:01:26 GMT

We find out how Germany are shaking up their selection as they aim for victory in 2025 with the return of a showbiz legend. Stefan Raab is the man behind 'Chefsache ESC 2025 – Wer singt für Deutschland?' - so how did the plan come about - we chat to the country's Head of Delegation to find out more.

As they celebrate the 10th anniversary of their first participation, what can we expect from Australia? And could Guy Sebastian be returning to Eurovision? We ask Dale Roberts, Founder of Aussievision, for the latest.

And yet another reminder that Aiko (Czechia 2024) really does love biscuits...

Read more of Aussievision's brilliant work over on their website here.

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SuRie on her unforgettable UK Eurovision experience

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:01:23 GMT

As she releases her new album, we get the chance to sit down for a feature-length conversation with one of the UK's best loved entries of the 21st century. SuRie won the right to represent the UK as a surprise winner (her own words) of Eurovision: You Decide, and the rest is history.

She tells us more about her unforgettable experience, a night that shaped the rest of her life, and how her Eurovision journey helped shape her future career.

You can find 'Little Frames' wherever you listen to podcasts, or find out more on SuRie's official website.

Buy tickets to the Eurovision Equinox Charity Quiz night here.

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Which country is most likely to return to Eurovision?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:01:40 GMT

It's a hotly debated topic, which country is most likely to return to the contest after years away, or might we see a new nation enter Eurovision in the coming years? With the help of Paul Jordan (Dr Eurovision) we examine the chances of more participants joining the list of competitors for Basel and beyond. The illuminating conversation also features a never heard before story about Turkey's almost return to the contest, and how a last minute change of heart saw them stay on the sidelines.

We also get the latest on the biggest story in the Eurovision world, as Joost Klein decides against returning in 2025. GJ Kooijman from the Ding A Dong podcast tells us what he knows about the situation, and explains how the Dutch public feel about the situation.

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Ireland's 2025 plans & UK Eurovision latest!

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 23:01:20 GMT

We start a new era as the road to Basel 2025 starts here! We kick off with the return of a friendly face as Teya (Austria 2023) pops by as she prepares to tour with both Eurovision 2024 winner Nemo, and Czech artist Aiko. She also gives us an insight into how songwriting camps can help produce the next generation of Eurovision entries, and how she's preparing to pack ahead of two months on the road.

Rob also shares some more information about the BBC's selection process for Switzerland, before we reunite with Irish Co-Head of Delegation Michael Kealy. He explains how he hopes to keep his nation on the left-hand side of the scoreboard in Basel, how he shortlists entries once the submission window closes, and why he's more hopeful than ever of a standalone national final in 2026.

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An important Euro Trip podcast announcement!

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 23:01:22 GMT

We share some big news ahead of the start of our Eurovision 2025 season and reflect on the last four years of the podcast, including memorable trips to Melfest, Turin, Liverpool and Malmo, while remembering some of the brilliant guests who have joined us on the show.

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The Contest & Me: Tom Hugo

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:01:45 GMT

In the final episode of the current series of The Contest & Me, Keiino singer Tom Hugo shares his experiences of Eurovision as both an artist and a fan. He tells us how Norway's first win helped shape his love for the contest, while he also reveals his unfiltered emotions after competing in 2019.

Tom also gives us his thoughts on the changes he'd like to see to Eurovision, and would he ever consider becoming Norway's Head of Delegation?

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Jon Ola Sand's decade in charge of Eurovision

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 23:01:05 GMT

Another chance to hear our feature-lengh conversation with the former Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest in an interview first broadcast in December 2021.

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The Contest & Me: Andreas Anastasiou

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 23:01:11 GMT

We head to Cyprus as their Head of Media shares his Eurovision story, which started in unique fashion over a decade earlier. We also hear how he composed his nation's entry in 2011, his earliest memories of Dana International winning the contest, and most recently he shares his joy at Silia Kapsis' performance in Malmö.

Andreas also reveals the secret to Cyprus' qualification success, having only missed out on the Grand Final once in their last ten appearances at the contest.

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The Contest & Me: Melanie Wehbe

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 23:01:21 GMT

The Melfest singer and Eurovision songwriter and backing vocalist joins us to share her memories from both on and off stage. She tells us more about her role in the UK delegation back in 2019, and also recalls the emotions she felt a song she'd written qualified for the Eurovision Grand Final.

We also get a lesson in what it takes to be a backing singer and the contest, while she also teases her involvement in both Melodifestivalen and Eurovision in 2025.

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The Contest & Me: Peter Ruddick

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 23:01:52 GMT

The BBC's Money & Work reporter joins us for another trip down Eurovision memory lane as we continue the new series of The Contest & Me.

He shares his first memories of listening to the contest, converting his now husband into a fully fledged fan, and stick around for a very surprising favourite Eurovision song.

And do you agree with Peter, was James Newman really the start of the UK's revived interest in the contest?

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Eurovision 2025 is headed to Basel!

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:33:44 GMT

We react to the news that the city on the French/German border will host the contest next year on 13th, 15th and 17th May.

We bring you the latest as we head to Switzerland and chat to a top journalist from the city, before we catch up with Reto Peritz, one of the Executive Producers of the 2025 contest.

Stay to the end for a special BBC Eurovision tease...

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The Contest & Me: Alexandra Wolfslast

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 23:01:42 GMT

Next up on this series of The Contest & Me Germany's Head of Delegation joins us to share her Eurovision story. She reveals what it was really like behind the scenes at Eurovision 2024, how she celebrated her nation's improved performance in Malmö, and how she deals with the criticism she receives in the role. We also go back to her early memories, as well as hearing how she can't help but look fondly on the Covid hit contest in Rotterdam.

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The Contest & Me: Ola Melzig

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 23:01:47 GMT

We begin our fourth series of The Contest & Me with a man who has arguably worked on more editions of the Eurovision Song Contest than anyone else. In his role as Senior Technical Director at the contest in Malmö he was responsible for every aspect of the show behind the scenes, and the competition in Sweden was his sixteenth time being involved with the show. He shares stories of ABBA, tales from 2024, including an exclusive on the UK's staging, and finally he shares a controversial change he'd like to see to the contest.

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The Contest & Me returns next Wednesday!

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 23:01:14 GMT

The new season is almost here as the Rob & James get ready for the latest series of The Contest & Me.

Each week they'll chat to well-known personalities about their love for Eurovision and their relationship with the world's biggest television show.

Coming up we'll hear from those closest to events in Malmö, learn secrets from behind the scenes, and get a taste of what could be in store from some countries as they prepare for the next edition in Switzerland.

And remember, new episodes drop from Wednesday 21st August, subscribe to be among the first to hear them.

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We bid farewell to the 2024 Eurovision season

Tue, 21 May 2024 23:01:40 GMT

For one final time in the 2024 season, we're here with your weekly dose of Eurovision. We choose our favourite moments from the podcast from the last 10 months, including Olly Alexander's mum, one of our favourite Eurovision winners, plus our investigative journalism skills are put to the test!

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We react to the Eurovision 2024 Grand Final!

Thu, 16 May 2024 23:01:42 GMT

Rob & James are back from Sweden and here to debrief everything that happened during the contest. They celebrate Switzerland's third victory as Nemo was crowned the winner, and Eurovision's first ever non-binary champion.

They also discuss the fallout that continues to follow events in Malmö, Ireland's best results for over two decades, and what might happen next for the United Kingdom and the BBC following a disappointing televote score for Olly Alexander.

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Joost Klein disqualified from Eurovision 2024

Sat, 11 May 2024 11:45:52 GMT

A bonus episode covering the breaking news surrounding this year's Dutch entrant, Joost Klein.

To get the latest on the story, we chat to Dutch Eurovision expert and host of the Ding-A-Dong podcast GJ Kooijman, and Aftonbladet reporter Natalie Demirian.

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Eurovision 2024 Grand Final Preview with the BBC & Queen Loreen

Sat, 11 May 2024 01:41:18 GMT

We discuss who could emerge as the winner of the contest here in Malmö as we assess the chances of the leading contenders. In the episode we'll also hear how Luxembourg returned to Eurovision, how the BBC are preparing for the big night, and meet the reigning champion, Queen Loreen.

The boys are also joined by Dutch Eurovision expert and podcast host GJ Kooijman as they get the latest on the situation involving the Netherlands entry, Joost Klein.

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Is Latvia qualifying the biggest shock of Eurovision week?

Fri, 10 May 2024 01:02:12 GMT

We react to the results from the second semi-final after a night of shocks and surprises here in Sweden.

In the immediate aftermath of the live show we speak to journalists and fans to hear their reactions, and discuss what the results mean for the likes of Latvia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Malta.

Then we bring you highlights from our special live event here in Malmö as we gathered at the Euro Fan Cafe for The Euro Trip: Live. We loved meeting those of you who made it, but if you couldn't pop along, here's the best of the action!

Next we're back with our huge Eurovision Grand Final preview...

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The EBU on the challenges of Eurovision in Malmö

Wed, 08 May 2024 23:01:44 GMT

We quiz the European Broadcasting Union on the uniquely complex situation presented by the contest in Sweden this year as we catch up with Communications and Digital Manager Dave Goodman.

Later we look ahead to the second semi-final in Malmö as we chat to Saba from Denmark, songwriter and backing vocalist Melanie Wehbe, Keiino's Tom Hugo, and another member of team Kaleen, Eurovision winning songwriter Jimmy Joker.

Grab yourself a free ticket to The Euro Trip: Live on Thursday 9th May.

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EXCLUSIVE: Behind the scenes of Olly Alexander's Eurovision staging + Semi Final 1 reaction

Wed, 08 May 2024 01:00:10 GMT

BBC Eurovision Creative Director Theo Adams tells us about the inspiration behind the UK's memorable staging this year. They give us an exclusive insight into the secret project that brought Olly Alexander and "Dizzy" to the contest, plus we ask whether we could be seeing more work on future UK entries in the years to come...

Before that we discuss the qualifiers from Tuesday night which saw Ireland make headlines and Luxembourg return to the final for the first time since 1993.

Grab yourself a free ticket to The Euro Trip: Live on Thursday 9th May.

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Will Ireland finally return to the Eurovision Grand Final?

Mon, 06 May 2024 23:22:03 GMT

The live shows are here, and we're back to look ahead to the first semi-final here in Malmö. With hype building about Ireland's chances, we chat to their Head of Delegation Michael Kealy on his hopes for Bambi Thug and their hopes of qualification.

We also catch up with Eurovision winner Eldar Gasimov, find out more about SVT's Marcus and Martinus documentary, and also have a rare chance to meet one of Sweden's biggest popstars and former Eurovision artist, Benjamin Ingrosso.

Grab yourself a free ticket to The Euro Trip: Live on Thursday 9th May.

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All the action from Eurovision 2024 Turquoise Carpet

Mon, 06 May 2024 00:01:22 GMT

We kick-start our live coverage from Malmö as we meet the artists ahead of the start of a big week here in Sweden. We try and catch up with as many of the class of 2024 as possible, plus we also manage to squeeze in a conversation with a bonus Eurovision winner!

Join us tomorrow when we'll be previewing all the action from first semi-final.

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Contest Producer Christer Björkman tells us what to expect from Eurovision 2024

Fri, 03 May 2024 23:01:57 GMT

We bring you a surprise bonus episode with the man responsible for what we'll see on our television screens in Malmö. Christer talks about returning to Eurovision after a few years away, the unique challenges of the 2024 contest, and shares his excitement ahead of a busy week in Sweden.

Grab yourself a free ticket to The Euro Trip: Live on Thursday 9th May.

Buy tickets for the Malmöhagen Eurovision Pre-Party here.

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Rehearsal week kicks off Eurovision 2024!

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 23:01:34 GMT

We go behind the scenes of rehearsals as the acts arrive in Malmö ahead of the huge fortnight in Sweden. We catch up with Poland's entry Luna as she tells us more about stepping onto the Eurovision stage for the very first time, and meet another 2024 artist in the form of Isaak from Germany.

An old friend stops by as Dan Shipton reflects on a huge BAFTA win for the BBC Eurovision team, and we have even more of your Eurovision Songs in the Wild submissions.

Grab yourself a free ticket to The Euro Trip: Live on Thursday 9th May.

Buy tickets for the Malmöhagen Eurovision Pre-Party here.

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The emotions of opening the Eurovision 2024 Grand Final

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 23:01:39 GMT

After being drawn to open the big show, twins Marcus & Martinus join us as they discuss the pressure of representing this host nation in Malmö. The pair reveal approaches from Norwegian broadcaster NRK, and how they intend to relax in the Green Room after their performance.

After his honeymoon Rob returns to share tales of Iceland, while we also hear more about a special project looking at the Nordic countries and their varying fortunes at the contest over the last decade.

Grab yourself a free ticket to The Euro Trip: Live on Thursday 9th May & read more of Callum's Nordic nation deep-dive.

Buy tickets for the Malmöhagen Eurovision Pre-Party here.

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From Eurovision bridesmaid to Eurovision bride

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 23:01:30 GMT

This week, we chat to Kaleen who is set to represent Austria in just three weeks time. She has been a stand-in performer, she's been involved in choreography and creative direction, but she's never performed live at the Contest before... until now. We speak to her all about this dream that's been years in the making.

We're also joined by GJ Koojiman from the Dutch Ding-a-Dong Eurovision podcast who can give us an inside line on what went down at Eurovision in Concert at the weekend. Plus, our weekly pilgrimage to Malmo continues as Swedish journalist Jonas Gillberg updates us on everything happening in the host city.

To grab yourself a FREE ticket to The Euro Trip: Live, click here.

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A Eurovision song five years in the making

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:01:39 GMT

This week, we cross to Australia as we catch up with Electric Fields as they *finally* represent their country at the Contest. We cast an eye over the London Eurovisio Party with help from Eirevision's Conor Devlin, plus we meet James Penrose, one of the team behind the newest pre-party, Malmohagen.

To grab yourself a FREE ticket to The Euro Trip: Live, click here.

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Andrew Cartmell talks awards, Olly Alexander and the legacy of Eurovision 2023

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 23:01:17 GMT

Eurovision 2023 has been winning awards left, right and centre lately and one man who knows what it's like to accept them is Andrew Cartmell. Last year, he was the Executive Producer of the whole show so was at the heart of the entire production. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on the Contest in Liverpool and discusses what these award nominations and wins mean to him, his team, and for the legacy of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Plus, in his role this year as the UK's Head of Delegation, Andrew previews what we can expect from Olly Alexander's performance in Malmo.

To grab yourself a FREE ticket to The Euro Trip: Live, click here.

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Behind the scenes as Eurovision Pre-Party season begins!

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 23:01:43 GMT

As Eurovision 2024 pre-party season gets started, we find out more about what happened in Madrid as the class of 2024 get together for the first time this season. We get all the gossip from the host of the official Eurovision Song Contest podcast, Steve Holden, while Malta's Sarah Bonnici also tells us about her experience of performing her entry in front of fans for the first time. We also meet a 'disgusting' guest in this year's host city, and, do you have a pet named after a Eurovision personality?

Join us for 'The Euro Trip: Live' at the Euro Fan Cafe by clicking here for more information and tickets.

Buy tickets for the Malmöhagen Eurovision Pre-Party here.

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How to represent three countries at Eurovision

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:01:06 GMT

This week we chat to Silia Kapsis, who, at the age of just 17, will represent Cyprus at Eurovision this year. We also have another chat with Rick Jakobs on our March to Malmo series who gives us an update on the Euro Fan Cafe. Plus, imagine avoiding all the Eurovision songs for the first three months of the year? That's what listener Kyle did - he gives us his thoughts on the class of 2024.

Join us for 'The Euro Trip: Live' at the Euro Fan Cafe by clicking here for more information and tickets.

Buy tickets for the Malmöhagen Eurovision Pre-Party here.

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Can a revamp improve your Eurovision result?

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:01:29 GMT

This week we're discussing revamps and whether altering your original song can improve your chances at the contest. Firstly ahead of her revamp release, we're joined again by Czech entry Aiko as she discusses the alterations to her song, while later we head to Sweden for a catch up with Eurovision winning songwriter Linnea Deb. This year she has two songs competing, her home country of Sweden, and a writing credit on Malta's revamped version of "Loop".

But to kick off we have a very big announcement!

Join us for 'The Euro Trip: Live' at the Euro Fan Cafe by clicking here for more information and tickets.

Buy tickets for the Malmöhagen Eurovision Pre-Party here.

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How the rule changes will impact Eurovision 2024

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:01:02 GMT

One of the biggest stories of the week is the EBU's announcement of three big rule changes for this year's Eurovision Song Contest. We're joined by ESC Insight's Ben Robertson to discuss what impact the changes will have on the contest. Also, with national final season drawing to an end, it marks the start of our March to Malmo, so we'll be crossing to this year's host city to get to know what to expect. Plus, Moldova's entrant Natalia Barbu stops by for a chat.

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Melfest Monday: Can Sweden win Eurovision back-to-back?

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:01:00 GMT

It only feels like two minutes since Melfest returned 6 weeks ago, but in the blink of an eye it's all over. We're back for one final episode of Melfest Monday to debrief everything from Saturday night's final. Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek and Melfest commentators Bella Qvist and Tina Mehrafzoon join us to review the winners, and look ahead to Eurovision in Malmo.

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Spilling the secrets of Eurovision songwriting

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:01:12 GMT

With selection season coming to an end, we speak to two successful Eurovision songwriters on how to write the perfect entry. Austrian 2023 entrant Teya joins us to share her love for Nemo's song for Malmö and her hopes that Switzerland could win the compeition, while Cazzi Opeia discusses writing for Melodifestivalen and a Eurovision winner for Loreen.

The boys also have a couple of big announcements themselves...

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Melfest Monday: Can anybody beat Marcus & Martinus?

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:01:01 GMT

The Melfest final is just a matter of days away but it was the Finalkvalet - the new final qualifying round - that got everybody talking on Saturday. We'll be talking about it in dept with Mellopedia's Gustav Dahlander and Aftonbladet's Jenny Agren. We do find just enough time to preview the final too, with guest appearances from Maria Sur and Smash into Pieces.

You can read all of Gustav's statistics on Mellopedia.

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Dizzy Debrief: we react to the UK entry with Olly Alexander's Mum

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 18:14:28 GMT

UK Eurovision release day requires a very special bonus episode, and we're delighted to bring you all the reaction as 'Dizzy' premieres to the public.

The boys share their thoughts, read your messages, and get a review from leading music journalist Nick Levine. Then we wrap up a busy day with Olly Alexander's Mum as she shares her thoughts on her son's participation in Eurovision, and gives us an insight into his love for the contest.

Listen to 'How the BBC chose Olly Alexander for Eurovision 2023'

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How to stage a Eurovision performance

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:01:35 GMT

Friend of the podcast Dan Shipton was the Lead Creative Director at Eurovision 2023 and has also staged some of the most iconic performances of recent years. On today's episode, Dan exclusively reveals which performances he's working on this year and tells us what the process is like. We'll also be joined by Besa who is representing Albania this year. Plus, we put your Eurovision knowledge to the test.

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Melfest Monday: Whatever will be, will be

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:01:34 GMT

Four heats are in the bag, but we still have a brand new fifth heat to come... as well as the final and the new-look final qualifying round. We'll be joined by Aftonbladet's Natalie Demirian and QX's Ronny Larsson to get us right up to speed. Plus we're joined by artists Jay Smith, Chelsea Muco and Medina who tell us what to expect from their performances on Saturdya.

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Could Belgium win Eurovision again?

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:01:28 GMT

After being the first artist to be announced for Eurovision 2024, Mustii's song for Belgium has been revealed this week to high praise from fans. We're joined by Sven Garreyn from Songfestival.be who helps us analyse the song. Denmark's Eurovision commentator Ole Topholm also stops by to ronud up everything from DMGP at the weekend. Plus, Hera Bjork from Iceland tells us why she's trying to represent her country again after 14 years.

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Melfest Monday: Danny v Dotter

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:01:40 GMT

We're at the halfway point of Melfest 2024 but we still have plenty to come over the next few weeks. On this episode, we're joined by a dream team of expert panellists in Melfest presenter Tina Mehrafzoon, Melfest commentator Bella Qvist and Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek to dissect everything that happened on Saturday. They'll cast on aye over what to expect in heat four plus we'll hear from Dotter too.

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Germany's plan for Eurovision redemption

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:01:51 GMT

This week we're given a rare interview with Germany's Head of Delegation to hear more about their plan to return to the left-hand side of the scoreboard.

Alexandra Wolfslast tells us about the personal impact her country's poor form has had on her professionally, how she plans to bring success back to her nation, and we find out more about how reparations for their selection show taking place this Friday.

We also head to Italy to react to Sanremo, and there's a special congratulations for two Euro Trip podcast listeners.

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Melfest Monday: Can a debutant make it to the final?

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:01:11 GMT

Melfest season is in full swing now that we've seen two shows on TV already. Aftonbladet journalists Jenny Agren and Stina Dahlgren join us this week to analyse heat 2 and look ahead to heat 3. No debutants have yet made it to the final so we discuss what a newbie needs to do to bag a spot in the final. Plus we hear from Cazzi Opiea, Clara Klingenstrom and Kim Cesarion ahead of their participation this coming weekend.

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How UMK became an unmissable part of National Final season

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:01:53 GMT

With Finland gearing up for UMK this weekend, we meet the founder to discuss the evolution of the competition. He tells us more about how the show differs from others across Europe, and how he goes about selecting the acts to compete to represent Finland at Eurovision itself.

We also meet one of the main contenders to win, rockband Cyan Kicks, while we also reflect on a busy weekend and dicuss Norway's Melodi Grand Prix Final.

And there's still time for a special trip to remember some of the best examples of Eurovision songs in the wild!

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Petra Mede in her own words

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 11:15:19 GMT

The news is out! Petra Mede will host Eurovision 2024! To mark the news, we delve into our archives to bring you an incredibly rare English language interview we had with Petra back in the summer of 2021 from our first series of The Contest & Me. Petra tells us all about her love of the Eurovision Song Contest and even tells us back then that she would love to host Eurovision again.

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Melfest Monday: Can the stats help us predict the winner?

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:01:56 GMT

We've seen the first heat of Melfest 2024 and two artists have bagged a spot in the final. There's plenty to discuss from the show and ESC Insight's Ben Robertson and SVT's in-house Melfest expert Gustav Dahlander are on hand to delve into the data. They help us look ahead to the second heat too, plus we're joined by three artists taking to the stage in Gothenberg: Dear Sara, Engmans Kapell and LIAMOO.

Check out Gustav Dahlander's Mellopedia here.

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Behind the scenes of Melodifestivalen 2024

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:01:17 GMT

On the eve of the 2024 competition, we were delighted to chat with Melfest Show Producer Karin Gunnarsson as she tells us more about how she prepares for Sweden's biggest television show. We learn more about how she picks the songs, and she tells us more about how she managed to presuade Loreen to participate in the contest last year.

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What does the semi-final draw actually mean?

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:01:14 GMT

The Semi-Final Allocation Draw took place in Malmo earlier in the week, so Ben Robertson from ESC Insight talks us through the benefits and pitfalls of being drawn in each of the shows. Plus, we look back at Luxembourg's national final with help from Daniel Rosney. And we look ahead to Vidbir in Ukraine and chat to YAKTAK, one of the artists competing in the show.

You can read Ben Robertson's analysis of the draw here.

Check out Gustav Dahlander's Mellopedia here.

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Melfest Monday: 2024 Preview

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:01:11 GMT

Melodifestivalen is back on our screens this weekend so we're back with Melfest Monday to get you up to speed on the competition. We're joined by Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek, Melfest commentator Bella Qvist and SVT's Förfest presenter Tina Mehrafzoon who help us get to know some of the artists and what we should expect from this year's show. Plus Adam from SMash into Pieces stops by to tell us why the band are back in Mello after their 3rd place result last year.

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Aiko & Oatmeal

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:01:25 GMT

We meet Czechia's Eurovision entry in the first of many upcoming conversations with the class of 2024. Aiko joins us in the studio to discuss her favourite breakfast cereal, her ideal pizza topping, and the emotions of winning ESCZ back in December.

Before that we meet the Finnish singer who has gone on record saying he will boycott the contest should he win his country's national selection, provided Israel remain in the competition. Plus the boys have big news ahead of Melodifestivalen!

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Behind the scenes of Ireland and Luxembourg's Eurovision national selections

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:01:22 GMT

National selection season has properly kicked off and with Luxembourg and Ireland ready to host their shows at the end of month, we go behind the scenes of them both. Firstly, Jan Bors, formerly Czechia's Head of Delegation, tells us everything about Luxembourg after he was on the selection committee which shortlisted the competing songs. Then we hop over to Ireland for a very candid conversation Michael Kealy, Ireland's Head of Delegation.

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Swedish storytellers: Christer Bjorkman, Petra Mede & more...

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:01:48 GMT

We mark the beginning of another year in which Sweden host the Eurovision Song Contest by remembering some of our favourite stories told by iconic Swedes here on the podcast. Delving into our archives we hear from the likes of Bella Qvist, Carolina Noren, Petre Mede, Anderz Wrethov, Tobbe Ek and Christer Bjorkman as they share tales of favourite moments, split screen drama, and famous victories.

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EXCLUSIVE: The BBC tell us how they chose Olly Alexander for Eurovision 2024

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:01:02 GMT

Olly Alexander is representing the UK at Eurovision 2024 - but how was he chosen? The BBC's Executive Producer of Eurovision Lee Smithurst, and the Commissioning Executive for Music Will Wilkin sit down with us to tell us exclusively what the process was like to select him.

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Melodi Grand Prix 2024: Keiino & Margaret Berger return!

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 17:26:16 GMT

We've assembled for a special bonus episode after the news some big Norwegian Eurovision alumni were returning to try and represent the nation again in 2024. We discuss the songs competing in Melodi Grand Prix, plus, we hear from Head of Delegation Stig Karlsen and returning MGP royalty Keiino.

To support the podcast and for links to all our research, head to Buy Me A Coffee.

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Martin Green reflects on the year the UK hosted Eurovision

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:01:32 GMT

In this festive special, Martin Green CBE, the Managing Director of Eurovision 2023, sits down for a feature length conversation about this year's contest. He discusses his early days in the role, deadlines, back stage drama, and how the team came together to organise arguably the best Eurovision of recent years.

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Olly Alexander is representing the UK at Eurovision 2024!

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:01:02 GMT

In this special episode we react to the news that Olly Alexander will be representing the United Kingdom in Sweden next year. The boys react to the news and get brilliant insight analysis from host of the BBC's Eurovisioncast Daniel Rosney, while Nick Levine helps us predict the sort of entry we might expect.

There's also the chance to hear from Olly himself, a special thanks to BBC Radio 1 and Pete Allison for giving us a chance to hear his full interview.

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Rewind 2012 & who is Joost Klein?!

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:01:59 GMT

In the final Rewind of the series we're heading back to Baku and Loreen's first Eurovision victory. We complete the circle on her Eurovision story as we explore the controversial contest, with stories both on and off stage as the contest headed to the coast of the Caspian Sea. We also find out more about the Netherland's Eurovision entrant for 2024, and Rob gets revenge with this week's One Second Song.

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Rewind 1982 & Jan Leeming

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:01:25 GMT

This week we rewind back to 1982 to give you the inside story on what happened when Eurovision headed to Harrogate! We speak to the presenter of the show Jan Leeming to find out what it was like to host, plus we hear from the Technical Manager Tony Gill on how they managed to pull this off. Aside from that, there's plenty of chat about the 2024 participation list, a stacked lineup in Sanremo and the first national final of the season.

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Melodifestivalen 2024 line up revealed!

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 18:32:57 GMT

Mello season is almost upon us and Tobbe & Stina from Aftonbladet join us to discuss who could be representing Sweden on home soil next year.

They correctly predicted 29 of the 30 artists competing in the competition, so who do they think has enough to win?

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Rewind Revisited: Eurovision 1998

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:01:30 GMT

It's Friday, so it's time to bring you a bonus episode of the podcast as we delve into our own archive to give you another chance to hear an edition of Rewind from series one. This time, it's the first one we ever did: Eurovision 1998.

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Rewind 1991 & BBC decision for 2024?

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:01:08 GMT

After taking a break last week, we're back with another brand new edition of Rewind as we head to Rome and arguably the most chaotic contest in the history of Eurovision. We're joined by special guests who give us a unique insight into what really happened behind the scenes, and reminisce over a memorable sax solo.

The boys also discuss rumours that Olly Alexander could be representing the UK at Eurovision, and we round-up what happened at Junior Eurovision 2023.

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Rewind Revisited: Eurovision 2004

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 00:01:25 GMT

Turns out we can't get enough of the early 2000s here on Rewind! We kicked off series two with trips to Tallinn and Riga, well here's what happened when we remembered the contest in Istanbul and a historic victory for one of Eurovision's newest nations.

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Teya & Salena & Junior Eurovision 2023 Preview

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:01:40 GMT

Eurovision 2023's favourite Austrian duo return to the podcast to kick start Christmas, Teya and Salena tell us more about their new single "Ho Ho Ho" and how it could mark the end of their performing careers together. We also have a scoop on how ESCZ 2024 could look from Czechia's Head of Delegation, and we go behind the scenes with the BBC team warming up for this weekend's Junior Eurovision Song Contest.

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Rewind Revisited: 2020/21

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:01:32 GMT

It's time bring you another episode from series one of Rewind from 2022. After looking back at 1993, 1980 and 2016, this time we're heading to Rotterdam and the cancelled contest of 2020, before reliving events the following year.

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Rewind 1969 & 2022 artist surprise

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:01:24 GMT

We hit the rewind button to go all the way back to 1969 and the dramatic year year four countries took victory! We welcome back Croatia's 2022 singer Mia Dimsic for a catch up and we give her a big surprise!

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Rewind Revisited: Eurovision 2016

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:01:54 GMT

It's time bring you another episode from series one of Rewind from 2022. After looking back at 1993 and 1980, now we're heading to Stockholm for Eurovision 2016.

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Rewind 2003 & the future of Australia at Eurovision

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:01:09 GMT

We're back with another edition of Rewind as we turn the clock back once again to bring you the best stories from the contest in Riga. We hear all the drama and stories from events 20 years ago, including how Jemini almost weren't the UK's entry - how different the UK's history in Eurovision could have been!

There's also a welcome return to the podcast for Dale from Aussievision as he discusses Australia's chances of competing in Malmo.

To support the podcast and for links to all our research, head to Buy Me A Coffee.

Watch Dale's analysis on the future of Australia at Eurovision on the Aussievision YouTube channel

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Rewind Revisited: Eurovision 1980

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:01:54 GMT

As promised on Wednesday's episode, for the next few Fridays we'll be heading into the archives to bring you a classic edition of are 'Rewind' series.

In this episode, which first aired in November 2022, we go behind the scenes of Eurovision 1980.

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Rewind 2002 & The Bird Eurovision Song Contest

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:01:39 GMT

We're back with series two of Rewind, where we delve into the archives to tell the story of a Eurovision Song Contest of the past! We kickstart with 2002 with tales of funding problems, managers at war and crap wedding bands... oh, and the Bird Eurovision Song Contest. Plus we look ahead to Malmo 2024 with The Local Sweden's Emma Lofgren, and the One Second Song returns!

To support the podcast and for links to all our research, head to Buy Me A Coffee.

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Rewind Revisited: Eurovision 1993

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 23:01:00 GMT

There's no new episode this week, but to get you in the mood for next week's new series of Rewind we delve into the archives to bring you a classic edition as they go behind the scenes of Eurovision 1993.

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STAND UNIQU3 & Lee Smithurst tell all about Junior Eurovision 2023!

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:47:01 GMT

In one of their first interviews since being announced as the UK's act for Junior Eurovision 2023, we're joined by Hayla, Maisie and Yasmin from STAND UNIQU3. Head of Delegation Lee Smithurst also stops by to tell us how he came to choosing the girls and what their staging will look like in Nice.

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The Contest & Me: Stig Karlsen

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 23:01:56 GMT

Stig Karlsen is Norway's Head of Delegation, Executive Producer of Melodi Grand Prix and the Musical Director too. As a result, he has a story or two to tell. He tells us how his love of Eurovision began by building stages out of Lego in his bedroom as a child, and how it would be a dream to bring the contest back to Norway. Stig also tells us what he meant about *that* curious Instagram post.

Ben Robertson's Big Five analysis: https://escinsight.com/2023/09/28/why-now-is-the-right-time-to-remove-the-big-five-rules/

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The Contest & Me: Carolina Noren

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:01:14 GMT

Since commentating on the contest for the first time in 1999 (when her country won the contest!) Swedish Radio's Eurovision Queen has been a mainstay in commentary boxes across the continent. She shares stories from her time working at the event, including a technical disaster in Dusseldorf, her iconic favourite entry, and how her life came full circle after crowding round the family radio in the mid 1970s to make sure she didn't miss the action.

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The Contest & Me: Linnea Deb

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 23:01:50 GMT

This week we bring you a chat with Linnea Deb who has won Melfest twice, and lifted the Eurovision crown after writing Måns Zelmerlöw's hit Heroes. She tells us what inspired her to get into songwriting, what her thoughts are on seeing the same people at Melfest year after year and what she would change about the Eurovision Song Contest.

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The Contest & Me: Anderz Wrethov

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 23:01:07 GMT

We hear from the Swedish songwriter and producer behind several iconic Eurovision entries as he recounts the moments that made him fall in love with the contest. Anderz discusses what it's like to sit in the green room on the cusp on winning, something he has done twice with "Fuego" and "Too Late for Love" as well as his past history with Melodifestivalen, and the songs that inspired him at the start of his career.

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The Contest & Me: Samya Hafsaoui

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 23:01:45 GMT

Samya is a fairly recent convert to the world of the Eurovision Song Contest, but it hasn't stopped her from having some of the best jobs possible! Whether it's interviewing 2022 winners Kalush Orchestra, playing table tennis with Maneskin, or taking us behind the scenes of being a juror at the contest, Samya has an amazing story or two to tell.

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The Contest & Me: Daniel Rosney

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 23:01:35 GMT

The host of Eurovisioncast reflects on last year's contest and how he ended up fronting the BBC's coverage in 2023. Daniel takes us behind the scenes as he shares his crazy schedule in Liverpool, including sharing a bed with a Eurovision winner. He tells us how he confused Keiino at the contest in Tel Aviv, and why one particular Spanish entry with always be his favourite Eurovision song of all-time.

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The Contest & Me: Rob Lilley-Jones

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 23:01:36 GMT

The Contest & Me continues as you get to hear all about Rob's love of Eurovision. From his very first memory, his most memorable moment, and his ideas on how to shake up the Contest, you'll get to know even more about one half of the presenters of the world's favourite Eurovision podcast.

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The Contest & Me: James Rowe

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 23:01:31 GMT

We kick off our third series of the Contest & Me as we explore our love of the Eurovision Song Contest through a set of challenging questions. All aimed to help us discover why a person loves Eurovision, this year we're starting with something special as we get to know the hosts of The Euro Trip a little bit better. On this first episode we hear James reveal a surprising drink that helped him enjoy Eurovision in Lisbon, the unexpected rule change he'd like to make, and why French Eurovision entries hit different for him.

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The Contest & Me returns this Wednesday!

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:15:00 GMT

Get ready for a new series of The Contest & Me as James and Rob chat to more familiar faces about why they love Eurovision.

First episode drops on Wednesday 16th August with new episodes following each week.

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How the BBC made Eurovision 2023 happen

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:48:03 GMT

Lee Smithurst (Head of Show) and Dan Shipton (Lead Creative Director) return to share their memories of the contest in Liverpool. They take us behind the scenes as they share their hot takes from rehearsals, discuss that controversial semi-final results sequence, and choice their favourite moments from the live shows.

And stick around as we bring you an sneak peak at what you can expect from us as The Contest & Me returns next week!

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What next for the BBC and their approach to Eurovision 2024?

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 18:52:33 GMT

We're back for the 2024 season... ahead of schedule! We react to the shock news the BBC and record label TaP Music won't continue their relationship into 2024, and ask what might be next as we look ahead to the contest in Malmo. To do so we're joined by industry experts Paul Jordan and Nick Levine as they assess what went right, what went wrong, and what should be the first thing on the BBC's to-do list next year.

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2023 Series Finale

Tue, 23 May 2023 23:01:44 GMT

We look back on another exciting year and celebrate our favourite moments from this Eurovision season. To kick start the episode we're joined by an old friend as the host of the Official Eurovision Song Contest podcast Steve Holden joins us to reflect on 2023, before the boys choose their favourite moments from the last year. They include a catch up with We Are Domi, big interviews with Loreen and the creative team behind the contest in Liverpool, and emotive lessons in history as we look back at our Rewind series.

03.23" - Steve Holden reflects on the 2023 season

28.00" - A listener email from Finland

35.53" - Carrie Grant remembers her favourite Eurovision year

42.19" - Ulrikke from Norway has a suprising breakfast

46.20" - Fazla recounts representing Bosnia on their debut in 1993

52.17" - Loreen explains her return to Eurovision

58.22" - We Are Domi join us in Prague

1.03.27" - Lee Smithurst & Dan Shipton look ahead to Liverpool

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Eurovision 2023 Grand Final Debrief

Tue, 16 May 2023 23:01:30 GMT

We hope you've just about recovered from a whirlwind week that was Eurovision 2023. We're here by your side to debrief everything that happened in Liverpool. Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek will be with us to discuss Loreen's historic win, Milla Ollikainen will be in Helsinki to chat about how close Finland got to winning the contest again, and Liverpool City Councillor Harry Doyle will be looking back at the event in the city. Plus, podcast favourite Bella Qvist joins us for the whole episode - what a treat!

08:05 - Tobbe Ek

27:47 - Milla Ollikainen

43:55 - Harry Doyle

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Live from Liverpool: Eurovision 2023 Grand Final Preview

Fri, 12 May 2023 23:01:48 GMT

Can you believe it? We've made it to Grand Final day of Eurovision 2023 and we've got you covered with a whole host of guests to get you up to speed and in the know ahead of what's looking like one of the best contests in recent memory!

02:39 - Betting expert Ben Robertson

05:47 - 2022 winners Kalush Orchestra

10:20 - Flag Parade artist Tina Karol

15:47 - Exec Producer Andrew Cartmell

21:01 - Reference Group member Sietse Bakker on Luxembourg's return

26:01 - French representative La Zarra

34:14 - Queen Loreen

35:18 - Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek & Stina Dahlgren

38:58 - Finnish journalist Milla Ollikainen

43:50 - 2018 winner Netta

53:39 - TV critic Scott Bryan

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Live from Liverpool: Semi-Final Two Reaction

Thu, 11 May 2023 23:01:28 GMT

Reaction from the Village, Press Centre, and highlights from our first live listener event at Sugar & Dice board game cafe here in Liverpool. We also crown our first Liverpool Legend, and we go on a detective mission to find out more about Loreen's iconic nails.

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Live from Liverpool: Semi-Final Two Preview

Wed, 10 May 2023 23:01:06 GMT

The week is racing by as we look ahead to the second semi final as sixteen countries aim to claim the final spots for the Grand Final. We're live from the arena as the boys watch the first dress rehearsal of the show, Gustaph joins us from the Village, and 2022 icons Subwoolfer are interviewed by their superfan.

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Live from Liverpool: Semi-Final One Reaction

Tue, 09 May 2023 23:57:04 GMT

We react to the first ten qualifiers for the Eurovision Grand Final with guests in the Village and Press Centre joining us to discuss the results. There's also a return for Executive Supervisor Martin Osterdahl to discuss the big news story of the week so far...

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Live from Liverpool: Semi-Final One Preview

Mon, 08 May 2023 23:41:38 GMT

We've got day two wrapped up as we look ahead to the first live show. We chat to Ukrainian commentator Timur Myroshnechenko, and podcast pals Ben Robertson, Tobbe Ek and Bella Qvist also join us, before we catch up again with BBC Eurovision Managing Director Martin Green.

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Live from Liverpool: Turquoise Carpet

Sun, 07 May 2023 23:01:16 GMT

We are live in Liverpool for Eurovision 2023! Today we bring you all the action from the Turquoise Carpet where all the artists and their delegations get a chance to chat to the press and meet the fans. We bring you conversations with artists, songwriters, heads of delegations and even some of the BBC's production team too, to find out how they're feeling ahead of show week.

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Goodbye and farewell to Peter Urban

Thu, 04 May 2023 23:01:09 GMT

We celebrate Germany's legandary commentator who retires from the contest this year in Liverpool. 2023 marks his 25th commentary, and in this special interview he looks back on all those years attending Eurovision, from his first in 1997, to Lena's memorable victory in 2010.

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Lord of the Lost & Pizza Toppings

Tue, 02 May 2023 23:01:43 GMT

It's less than a week before we're in Liverpool for daily episodes, so this week we catch up with Germany's Lord of the Lost before they take to the stage to rehearse. We also catch up with friend of the podcast Zoe London about her DJ set at Euroclub, plus we get an insight into Sugar & Dice - the venue for our live event next week.

07:15 - News roundup

10:30 - Zoe London

22:28 - Leap to Liverpool

32:30 - Lord of the Lost

48:30 - One Second Song

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BBC Eurovision's Martin Green & Norway's Queen of Kings

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:01:58 GMT

The Managing Director of this year's contest joins us live from Liverpool as preparations continue with rehearsals just a few days away. We're also joined by Norwegian hopeful Alessandra who teases changes to her staging at the contest, and we go back through the archives after asking you what you remember about the first Eurovision you watched on television.

06.33" - Latest Eurovision News

08.54" - The first Eurovision you watched on television

19.26" - Martin Green CEO, BBC Eurovision Managing Director

29.32" - Alessandra from Norway joins us

40.00" - One Second Song

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The BBC tell us what to expect from the Eurovision 2023 live shows!

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 23:01:10 GMT

We celebrate the 100th regular weekly episode of the podcast as we sit down for an exclusive conversation with Lee Smithurst (Head of Show) and Dan Shipton (Lead Creative Director) as they reveal all the details on what to look forward to during the live shows in Liverpool.

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Teya and Salena & MI5 Spies

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 23:01:50 GMT

Teya & Salena from Austria are arguably one of the most talked about artists ahead of Eurovision in Liverpool, so we thought you'd want to hear what they had to say! We also say hello again to Tobbe Ek from Aftonbladet who gives us the latest on Loreen's staging drama, and Cath and Lau stop by on our latest instalment of our Leap to Liverpool.

08:12 - News roundup

12:07 - Tobbe Ek

26:02 - Leap to Liverpool

36:51 - Teya & Salena

56:14 - One Second Song

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TVORCHI & Voyager

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 06:27:44 GMT

There's no James' this week, but Rob does his best to fill the gap with two more of the class of 2023!

First up TVORCHI find time in their busy schedule to update on their plans for Liverpool, while Ash from Australian band Voyager discusses a meet up with last year's Irish entry Brooke, their excitement at heading to Eurovision, and how he combines drumming with... graphic design! There's also plenty of time to get up to speed with Liverpool's preparations with another edition of the Leap to Liverpool as well as a chat with someone volunteering at the contest this year.

04.22" TVORCHI Part 1

10.21" - Eurovision News Update

13.91" - TVORCHI Part 2

20.33" - Eurovision Volunteer Shau Chan

26.00" - Sax Chat

30.34" - Leap to Liverpool

44.44" - Ash from Voyager

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The Busker & Leap to Liverpool launch!

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 23:01:21 GMT

Malta's 2023 representatives join us to chat about their entry, dance practice, and their very British sounding names. We also launch the 'Leap to Liverpool', our weekly mission to find out more about this year's Eurovision host city. We also have more on the official Eurovision board game, and ask more big questions, namely, when was the last time you saw a milkman?

11.16" - Eurovision News Update

18.29" - Leap to Liverpool

32.10" - The Busker chat about representing Malta

47.03" - One Second Song

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Your 2023 Predictions!

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:01:48 GMT

For the first time ever, we've invited some of you onto the podcast to tell us what you think of Eurovision! Listeners Hannah, Ross and Kyle join us to give us their thoughts on the class of 2023, betting man Ben Robertson gives us the lowdown on the betting markets and we have some very exciting news about what we're getting up to in Liverpool!

10:15 - Eurovision news update

12:25 - Our very own exciting news update!

16:44 - Ben Robertson on the betting markets

29:16 - Our Fan Panel reviews the songs

52:29 - One Second Song

Join us for our Board Game event in Liverpool right here!

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Wild Youth & Love Island

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:01:45 GMT

We hear from Ireland's 2023 representatives and learn about Rob & James' sleeping arrangements for Liverpool. In his first feature length chat Conor O'Donoghue joins the podcast to discuss Wild Youth's plans for Eurovision, including more on the songwriting process and how they're coping with the pressure to turn around his country's failing fortunues at the contest. We'll also have more on Mae Muller from BBC Radio 1 presenter Maia Beth, and could the boys' trip to Merseyside turn into it's own reality show?

08.46" - Latest Eurovision News

17.08" - Maia Beth tells us more about Mae Muller

30.13" - Liverpool Love Island

35.01" - Conor from Wild Youth

54.01" - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Seven (Grand Final Review)

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:01:31 GMT

After six weeks of incredible competition, Melfest in 2023 has come to an end. Loreen has won for a second time and stands a huge chance of winning Eurovision again to give Sweden a record equalling seventh ESC crown. We're joined by Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek to review a sensational Melfest season and look ahead to Eurovision in May, English language commentator Bella Qvist takes us inside the commentary box and listener Will tells us what it was like to be a fan in the arena for the final.

08:52 - Will's fan report

11:21 - Tobbe Ek's Melfest Review

25:39 - Inside Bella Qvist's commentary box

36:39 - Tobbe Ek previews Eurovision in May

This episode is proudly sponsored by Six on Stage.

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Everything you need to know about Mae Muller!

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:01:33 GMT

Finally the news is out, so in a special bonus episode we react to the news that Mae Muller will represent the UK at Eurovision 2023. We hear from journalists who have followed her career, chat to the President of OGAE UK as well as hearing some fan reactions to the entry. We'll even have a message from her former headteacher too!

04.54" - Mae Muller's revealed at the UK entry

10.03" - BBC Radio 1 & BBC Introducing host Jess Iszatt

21.52" - LGBTQ writer & music journalist Nick Levine

31.56" - Fans react to the UK's song for 2023

37.15" - OGAE UK President Vaughan Staples

This episode is proudly sponsored by Six on Stage

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Vesna & Ticket Madness

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:01:07 GMT

Eurovision tickets have come and gone! Were you one of the lucky few to get tickets? We chat to a fan about their ticketing experience. We also chat to this year's Czech entry Vesna and find out how they're shaping up for Eurovision. Plus, we can't be too far away from a UK Eurovision announcement... can we?

08:50 - Eurovision news

17:42 - Fan Corrie on her ticket update

27:42 - Patrice from Vesna

45:18 - One Second Song

This episode is proudly sponsored by Six on Stage

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Melfest Monday: Episode Six (Grand Final Preview)

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 00:01:53 GMT

After weeks of heats and last week's semi-final we're finally counting down to the big night in Stockholm. Before we look ahead we react to everything that happened in Örnsköldsvik and chat about the four qualifiers, doing so in the company of Melfest expert and the man behind Mellopedia, the brilliant Gustav Dahlander.

We then hear from listener Will on the unique London venue showing the competition, then hear from finalists Kiana and Maria Sur. To wrap up Gustav sticks around to give us all the facts and stats ahead of the final, and we pick our final tracks for the Melfest Monday Party Playlist.

05.29" - Gustav Dahlander Part One

15.29" - Melfest Monday Party Playlist

22.51" - Swedish Church chat with listener Will

32.38" - Kiana Interview

40.54" - Maria Sur Interview

49.48" - Gustav Dahlander Part Two

This episode is proudly sponsored by Six on Stage.

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Joker Out & UK Artist Rumours

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:01:42 GMT

For the first time in the 2023 season, we're joined by an act already confirmed to be heading to the contest this May. The lads from Ljubljana, Joker Out, join us to discuss their preparations for the contest in Liverpool, as well as sharing an unusual gig venue...

Rob and James also get the chance to debrief about Loreen's performance in Melfest at the weekend, listener Gina joins us to explain why she slid into our DMs last week, and we do a bit of detective work on who could be representing the United Kingdom!

07.28" - Latest Eurovision News

11.36" - UK Eurovision entry rumours

16.14" - Listener Gina joins us to discuss... Craig David!

23.19" - Joker Out on representing Slovenia

42.23" - One Second Song

This episode is proudly sponsored by Six on Stage.

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Melfest Monday: Episode Five

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:01:33 GMT

Melfest 2023 is racing by now, as all 28 acts have now performed on the stage. This week James is joined by Aftonbladet's Stina Dahlgren and Eurovision Hub's Miceal O'Kane to react to everything from heat four, including the return of Queen Loreen. They also provide their expert analysis and opinions over what to expect from the upcoming Semi Final, plus Victor Crone and Tennessee Tears both stop by ahead of their appearance in the show. And we've got another two tracks to add to the Melfest Party Playlist.

04:10 - Stina Dahlgren & Miceal O'Kane Part One

19:13 - Melfest Party Playlist

24:23 - Tennessee Tears

35:00 - Victor Crone

45:00 - Stina Dahlgren & Miceal O'Kane Part Two

This episode is proudly sponsored by Six on Stage.

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Loreen gives us all the gossip on her Melfest return!

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 00:01:44 GMT

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded before the hosts for the 2023 contest were announced.

***

We finally got her on the podcast! Ahead of her return to Melodifestivalen, Loreen tells us more about what to expert from her entry in the competition. She shares details about her song, how a conversation with Christer Björkman helped convince her come back, and how she still loves the Eurovision Song Contest. There's also a chat with Söngvakeppnin hopeful Kristín Sesselja, and Thomas from the 12points podcast tells us everything we need to know about La Zarra.

08.31" - Latest Eurovision News

14.43" - Thomas from 12points tells us more about 'Évidemment'

23.48" - Kristín Sesselja on Söngvakeppnin

38.40" - Loreen chats Melfest, Eurovision & more...

57.43" - One Second Song

This episode is proudly sponsored by Six on Stage.

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Melfest Monday: Episode Four

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 00:01:31 GMT

Three shows down, three to go. We're at the midway point of Melfest 2023 and Jenny Agren from Aftonbladet joins us to review everything from the weekend and helps us figure out what's going to happen in the fourth and final heat on Saturday night. We also chat to three of heat four's artists: Smash Into Pieces, Signe & Hjordis and the one and only Loreen! Plus we've got two more tracks to add to the ultimate Melfest Party Playlist.

04:14 - Jenny Agren Part One

15:43 - Melfest Party Playlist

20:37 - Smash Into Pieces Interview

28:11 - Signe & Hjordis Interview

37:39 - Loreen Interview

43:04 - Jenny Agren Part Two

This episode is proudly sponsored by Six on Stage.

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Casanovas, Portion Boys & Mulled Wine

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:01:17 GMT

This week two more Eurovision 2023 hopefuls stop by for a chat and Rob shares a shocking revelation about James. First up we get an all-important Sanremo debrief from friend of the podcast Claudio Sartorelli, who shares some great gossip about Marco Mengoni's potential entry for Liverpool. Then the boys tour Scandanavia as James hangs out with Casanovas from Sweden, and Finland's Portion Boys. Oh, and we'll also be heading to the alter to celebrate more Eurovision songs at weddings too!

06.58" - Eurovision songs at weddings revisted

11.05" - Latest News

15.47" - Claudio Sartorelli reviews Sanremo

24.19" - James catches up with Henrik from Casanovas

37.05" - Portion Boys discuss UMK 2023

45.42" - One Second Song

This episode is proudly sponsored by Six on Stage.

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Melfest Monday: Episode Three

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:01:37 GMT

Two heats down, two to go. This week we're joined by Aftonbladet's Stina Dahlgren to react to everything that happened in heat two, and look ahead to everything in heat three this coming weekend. Not only that but Canadian-born songwriter Laurell chats to us about making her on stage debut this coming weekend, as do Norwegian duo Marcus & Martinus. Plus the boys choose two more tracks to add to the ultimate Melfest party playlist.

03:56" - Your guide to Linkoping

08:16" - Stina Dahlgren Part One

21:01" - Melfest Party Playlist

26:27" - Laurell Interview

36:11" - Marcus & Martinus Interview

43:45" - Stina Dahlgren Part Two

This episode is proudly sponsored by Six on Stage.

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Mia Dimsic & Norwegian Juries

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 00:01:49 GMT

Super Saturday is almost upon us - 9 national selections all in one night! One of those shows is Dora in Croatia, so we catch up with their 2022 artist Mia Dimsic to find out what her year has been like. We also look back at the final of MGP in Norway and British radio presenter Alex Mansuroglu who was on the jury takes us behind the scenes.

06:32 - News roundup

14:53 - Alex Mansuroglu on the NRK juries

23:12 - Eurovision weddings

29:41 - Mia Dimsic one year on

48:00 - One Second Song

This episode is proudly sponsored by Six on Stage.

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Melfest Monday: Episode Two

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:01:31 GMT

Aftonbladet journalist and Melodifestivalen veteran Tobbe Ek joins Rob and James to review the action from Gothenberg before looking ahead to Heat 2. They discuss the songs that progressed direct to the final, including on Jon Henrik Fjällgren and friends! Then there's a chance to hear from some of the artists making their debut in the competition as they catch up with James, before all eyes turn to next week's show in Linköping.

03.22" - Heat 1 review with Tobbe Ek

19.09" - Melfest Party Playlist

23.51" - Eden Interview

31.25" - Uje Brandelius Interview

38.55" - Tennesse Tears Interview

46.16" - Heat 2 preview with Tobbe Ek

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ESCZ Wrap Up & Eurosong Preview

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:01:46 GMT

The boys head home after a busy few days in Prague, featuring some exclusive Head of Delegation conversations.

Both HoD's from the Czech Republic and Ireland discuss their country's plans for 2023, and before that there's two chats with some very special guests... one you might be very familiar with.

00.00" - Cesár Sampson on his involvement with ESCZ

05.03" - Czech HoD Kryštof Šámal on their plans

17.35" - We Are Domi return to the podcast

25.10" - Markus Riva on entering Supernova again

32.06" - Ireland's HoD Michael Kealy looks ahead to Eurosong 2023

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Melfest Monday: Episode One

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:01:30 GMT

Melodifestivalen season kicks off in style with a bumber episode looking ahead to this year's competition. Ben Robertson from ESC Insight, the Bet Eurovision podcast, and International Coordinator for OGAE Sweden joins Rob and James to preview all the action, while there's also time for a chat with two of the acts competing in Heat 1, Tone Sekelius and Eva & Ewa.

03.05" - Ben Robertson Part 1

21.35" - Party Playlist

28.03" - Tone Sekelius Interview

40.00" - Eva & Ewa Interview

48.31" - Ben Robertson Part 2

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Behind the scenes at ESCZ 2023

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 20:50:41 GMT

A special bonus episode from Czech TV HQ in Prague as the boys catch up with the artists hoping to represent the Czech Republic at Eurovision in Liverpool.

Don't forget to watch them live on the official Eurovision YouTube channel at 8pm UK time/9pm CET on 30th January 2023.

Hear us chat exclusively to the artists:

08.37" - Maella

11.19" - Pam Rabbit

19.12" - Markéta Irglová

24.27" - Vesna

27.43 - Rodan

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Ulrikke & Cheesy Kebabs

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:01:00 GMT

Norway's 2020 entry and 2023 hopeful joins the podcast to discuss her dream of heading to Liverpool. The boys also get excited ahead of their upcoming trip to Prague, while there's also a chance to catch up with Germany's plans for their selection with the artists set to be announced later this week.

09.38" - Latest Eurovision News

16.40" - Benjamin Hertlein from ESC Kompakt on Germany's selection in 2023

25.15" - The boys discuss their role in ESCZ

32.23" - Ulrikke chats about her dream to represent Norway once more

45.24" - One Second Song

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Sunstroke Project & IKEA Furniture

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:01:06 GMT

National final season is fully underway now and things are hotting up! Sunstroke Project have thrown their hat into the ring to represent Moldova for a record-equalling third time and this week, the duo chat to us exclusively about their song. Last week we spoke to Gustaph from Belgium... and at the weekend he was chosen to represent his country in May - so we catch up with Sven Garreyn from Songfestival.be to get a roundup of the Belgian national final. And just across the border in France, Thomas from the 12 Points podcast gives us an update on the French act.

11:04 - News roundup

17:27 - Sven Garreyn from Songfestival.be

28:11 - Sunstroke Project Exclusive Interview

40:28 - Thomas from 12 Points

44:14 - One Second Song

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JOWST & Belgian Finalists

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 00:01:17 GMT

The first national selection shows of the calendar year kick off this week, with Estonia, Malta, Norway and Belgium all bringing potential artists to our screens. This week we chat to both Gala Dragot and Gustaph who are competing in the Belgian competition Eurosong, as well as JOWST & Byron Williams who are taking part in the first heat of MGP in Norway.

10:47 - News update

15:29 - Gustaph Interview

24:58 - Gala Dragot Interview

35:09 - JOWST & Byron Williams Jr Interview

48:13 - One Second Song

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All eyes on Liverpool for Eurovision 2023!

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:01:18 GMT

We're back! As it's now 2023, we thought it would be wise to focus in on this year's host city to see how preparations are going and what the excitement levels are like. We're joined again by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Harry Doyle to see what his life has been like since the announcement in October; Liverpool Echo's Eurovision reporter Christopher Megrath gives us the inside scoop on the goings on in the city; and we're joined by a handful of our podcast regulars for their hopes and predictions for the year ahead.

09:12 - News roundup

15:19 - Harry Doyle on the city's preparations

29:20 - Podcast regulars and their 2023 predictions

33:57 - Christopher Megrath on the city's excitement levels

46:35 - One Second Song

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The BBC's Andrew Cartmell chats exclusively about Eurovision 2023!

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 00:01:48 GMT

Andrew Cartmell has been a reporter, a producer and most recently the Head of Delegation for the BBC at the Eurovision Song Contest and has never spoken at length about his career. In 2023, Andrew is the Executive Producer of the Contest itself as the BBC is the host broadcaster for the first time since 1998. Andrew chats to us at length about his love for Eurovision, the roles he has taken on over the last 20 years and how Eurovision is shaping up for May 2023.

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Junior Eurovision Reaction & 2022 Best Bits!

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:01:58 GMT

We look back at France's win in Yerevan as we speak to friend of the podcast, French journalist Fabien Randanne. We also and pick out some of our favourite moments from the last twelve months, and Estonian Eurovision hopeful Sissi is back with us to discuss her participation in Eesti Laul 2023.

09.43" - Latest Eurovision News

15.47" - Fabien Randanne on France's JESC victory

24.45" - Best bits from 2022

38.49" - Sissi joins us to discuss Eesti Laul 2023

55.43" - One Second Song

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Inside the BBC at Junior Eurovision 2022

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 00:01:58 GMT

We're on the eve of Junior Eurovision 2022 so to celebrate we delve into our archive and speak to JESC winner Ralf Mackenbach, JESC and ESC alumni Stefania as well as Lee Smithurst from the BBC. Speaking of the BBC, we sent them an invite to join us for a chat, they said yes, but didn't say who'd be joining us... who will it be?

10:32 - Eurovision news

15:42 - Lee Smithurst

18:31 - Stefania

22:24 - Ralf Mackenbach

27:13 - A mystery guest from BBC Eurovision

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Melodifestivalen 2023 line up reaction!

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:01:52 GMT

The boys are joined by Melfest icons Bella Qvist & Tobbe Ek to discuss the artists taking part in the competition. They discuss the heats, the upcoming drama, and whether Loreen could return to Eurovision once more...

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Rewind 2016 & Lost Guitars

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:01:40 GMT

We reminisce about the contest in Stockholm as we rewind for the final time this season. We hear from those involved in making the contest happen, including Christer Bjorkman, host Petra Mede, and the man behind "Love Love Peace Peace" Edward af Sillen. This week we're also joined by James' brother - Callum - who shares a heartwarming tale from Denmark, and there's another edition of the One Second Song.

10.40" - Eurovision News Round Up

17.13" - Denmark's Tim Schou on being reunited with his Eurovision guitar

28.25" - Rewind 2016

49.30" - One Second Song

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Rewind Extra: Sietse Bakker on organising the Covid contest

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 00:01:48 GMT

The Executive Producer of the 2020 and 2021 editions shares stories of organising a Eurovision like no other. In a wide ranging conversation Sietse discusses the night the Netherlands won the contest in Tel Aviv, how Rotterdam was chosen to host, what it was like the day the 2020 contest was cancelled, and his emotions when he realised Eurovision would happen the following year.

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Rewind 2020/2021 & Presenter Malfunctions

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 00:01:33 GMT

This week we rewind just a tiny amount to the cancelled contest of 2020. We look at why the decision was made, how they started to plan for 2021 and what it was really like when all those nul points votes started to come through - all with help from Exec Producer Sietse Bakker. We also analyse the new voting changes for Eurovision 2023 and our favourite Swede Tobbe Ek stops by and gives us all the gossip on Melfest 2023.

04:52 - Voting changes with Ben Robertson

17:31 - Eurovision news roundup

21:27 - Tobbe Ek on all things Melfest

32:00 - Rewind 2020/2021

52:03 - One Second Song

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Rewind Extra: Fazla recalls his extraordinary Eurovision journey from 1993

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 00:01:53 GMT

In 1993, Bosnia and Herzegovina was at war, but that didn't stop them from making their debut in the Eurovision Song Contest. Muhamed Fazlagić, better known as Fazla, fled the country through sniper fire to perform in Millstreet in Ireland in order to put his country on the map. He tells us his story.

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Rewind 1993 & Fetish Bars

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 00:01:39 GMT

We turn back to clock to the early nineties on Rewind this week as we take a look at the iconic year the contest was held in an Equestrian centre in Millstreet, Ireland. We hear from memorable participants and experts as we relive the action, and remember the historic political atmosphere within which Eurovision was taking place.

We'll also be hearing about SBS's decision to scrap Australia Decides, and we hear an incredible story featuring former Czech Eurovision stars and an unsent text message...

08.31" - Memorable Eurovision encounters in Prague

14.22" - Eurovision News Update

19.38" - Kyriakos from Aussievision chats Australia Decides

26.38" - Rewind 1993

49.15" - One Second Song

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Rewind 2004 & Bonnie Tyler's Pulled Pork

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:01:57 GMT

We're back with you for another edition of Rewind, as we head back to 2004 and Ukraine's historic first win at the Contest. We also hear from you and your curious encounters with Eurovision stars, plus Lee Smithurst from the BBC is back to update us on the progress on the 2023 Contest.

11:26 - Eurovision news round up

16:50 - The BBC's Head of Show on plans for 2023

22:58 - Rewind 2004

46:05 - One Second Song

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The BBC's Lee Smithurst reveals the UK's plan for Junior Eurovision 2022!

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 00:01:09 GMT

The BBC is taking part in Junior Eurovision for the first time ever next month, and today Lee Smithurst, the Head of Delegation speaks exclusively to us. You get to hear how they chose the artist Freya Skye, what their hopes and ambitions are - plus we look back at Sam Ryder's result in Turin earlier this year.

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Rewind 1980 & Returning Artist Rumours

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:01:11 GMT

We return with another edition of Rewind as we wind the clock back several decades to celebrate a unique edition of the contest. There's also time and look ahead to Norway's selection in 2023 and get to the bottom of some gossip about who might be taking part, and there's a very unlikely story involving Gina G...

09.55" - Latest Eurovision News

14.03" - Morten from OGAE Norway on Melodi Grand Prix 2023

21.46" - Rewind 1980

43.27" - One Second Song

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Rewind 1998 & Old Tic Tacs

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 23:01:19 GMT

Our regular run of weekly episodes in the run up to Liverpool 2023 starts... NOW! We bring you all the latest news, the biggest Eurovision guests, and, for the next six weeks, a new feature called Rewind. Each week we'll rewind the clock to an edition of the Eurovision Song Contest and reminisce together alongside some very special guests. Plus, the One Second Song returns!

06:41" - Latest Eurovision News

11:10" - BBC Eurovision's Lead Commissioner; Rachel Ashdown

22:51" - Rewind 1998

54:50" - One Second Song

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Happy birthday to The Euro Trip!

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 23:01:08 GMT

We delve into the archives as Rob celebrates with some of the weird and wonderful moments from the last ten years. Of course Rob & James have been together in podcast form since August 2020, but did you know The Euro Trip started life on student radio back in the autumn of 2012?! We celebrate a decade of Eurovision, European music, and some the great people to have joined the show along the way.

As promised, listen to Rob's trip around Minsk from Junior Eurovision 2018.

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The BFI celebrate Eurovision

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 23:01:55 GMT

In this special bonus episode we learn more about a special Eurovision afternoon happening at the British Film Institute on 22nd October.

The event is part of the BFI’s 100 BBC TV Gamechangers – a season at BFI Southbank celebrating the BBC’s centenary. The shows included are drawn from the BFI 100 BBC Gamechangers, a curated list of the most innovative BBC television programmes that have had a significant impact on television and society – including the Eurovision Song Contest. You can see that full list here.

Tickets for the Eurovision events can be purchased at whatson.bfi.org.uk.

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Liverpool to host Eurovision 2023!

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 06:23:21 GMT

After months of waiting, we finally know which city will host Eurovision next year. Liverpool's Assistant Mayor Harry Doyle joins us to explain how they did it, fans from both Liverpool and Glasgow explain their differing emotions and podcast regular Steve Holden joins us from his interrailing travels across Europe. Oh, and Rob makes a brief appearance... all will be explained!

08:06 - Liverpool Assistant Mayor Harry Doyle

27:11 - Glaswegian Eurovision fan Elaine Scattermoon

34:18 - Eurovision podcast host Steve Holden

37:57 - Scouse Eurovision fan Jamie McLoughlin

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The Contest & Me: Carrie Grant

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 23:01:21 GMT

Carrie Grant represented the UK at Eurovision in 1983 and since then has done almost everything else possible when it comes to the contest. Whether it's heading up the jury, giving out the points or sitting on the judging panel in national finals on the BBC, Carrie has been there and done it and has some amazing stories to tell.

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The Contest & Me: Jenny Ryan

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 23:01:02 GMT

Star of ITV quiz show The Chase joins us to discuss her love of Eurovision, including her first memories, and her fond memories of Love City Groove. She also tells James how a childhood choir links her to the United Kingdom's last winner, as well as revealing how Simon Cowell really feels about Eurovision...

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The Contest & Me: Melina Karageorgiou

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 23:01:34 GMT

We head to the commentary box as the Cypriot commentator, fan, and journalist sits down to share her favourite Eurovision memories. Melina looks back at her many years in the booth, including her return in 2022. She also shares a chat she had with legendary singer Željko Joksimović, her contest crushes, a hairy moment during one of 2010's semi-finals, and how Sam Ryder makes it very difficult to stay impartial...

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Dan Shipton reflects on BBC Eurovision's 2022 success

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 23:01:21 GMT

The Creative Director behind Sam Ryder's "Space Man" entry takes us behind the scenes in Turin & shares memories from his esteemed career.

Dan takes us back to his first time working with the BBC in 2015 before talking us through the other occasions he worked with the UK delegation. He then reveals how a chance conversation in Rotterdam led him reuniting with the United Kingdom team again this year. Later Dan shares the emotional moments that followed the 2022 final, and how his BlackSkull Creative team work to provide the best platform for the world's biggest stars.

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The Contest & Me: Louise Cantillon

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 23:01:40 GMT

We head back to Ireland for another episode of The Contest & Me. James sits down with TV and radio host, and the presenter of Ireland's Junior Eurovision coverage Louise Cantillon. They chat about growing up during Ireland's heyday, meeting a Eurovision star while at school and what her dream rule change would be at the Contest.

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The Contest & Me: Dave Goodman

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 00:01:39 GMT

We head to EBU HQ as one of the key members of the Eurovision team tells us about his love of the contest. Dave Goodman talks us through his journey from a fan of the contest back in the 1980s, to attending his first contest as the UK hosted in 1998. He then explains what it was like to cover the contest as a journalist, before joining the in-house team responsible for Eurovision itself. Oh, and there's plenty of incredible stories along the way!

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The Contest & Me: Tobbe Ek

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 23:01:49 GMT

In another fascinating conversation here on The Contest & Me, journalist from Sweden's leading daily newspaper Aftonbladet, Tobbe Ek joins us to chat about how Eurovision is woven its way through his life. From growing up watching Eurovision and Melfest in the 1970s, to covering the Contest for the first time in 2006, to his journalism working its way to the door of the President of France, Tobbe recalls his love for the Eurovision Song Contest.

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The Contest & Me: Paul Jordan

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 23:01:09 GMT

We're back with another episode as one of Eurovision's most popular experts describes how he first fell in love with the contest. Paul talks to us about his early memories in the 1990s, his iconic favourite song, and one particularly interesting taxi journey in Eastern Europe.

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The Contest & Me: Emma Kelly

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:01:10 GMT

In this episode of The Contest & Me, James chats to entertainment journalist Emma Kelly about her love for Eurovision. Emma tells us about her earliest memories, an unlikely encounter with 2014 winner Conchita, and her dream rule change that might help out her native Ireland.

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The Contest & Me: Steve Holden

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 23:01:34 GMT

In the first episode of this series, the host of the Official Eurovision Song Contest podcast, Steve Holden joins us for an in-depth chat about his love for the contest. Rob chats about how he fell in love with Eurovision, his favourite ESC memory, and what he'd like to see change in the future.

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The Contest & Me... returns!

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 23:01:16 GMT

In the return of The Contest & Me, James and Rob bring you the best stories from some of the most well known fans of the Eurovision Song Contest. Episode One lands on August 10th.

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UK to host Eurovision 2023!

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 19:43:54 GMT

It's the news that we never thought we'd hear - Eurovision is coming back to the UK! The boys are back from their summer holidays early to bring you all the best reaction to today's news. The EBU's Communications Lead Dave Goodman tells us how we've got to this point, Bella Qvist tells us what it's like when Eurovision comes to your country, Fernand Frimpong Jr gives us an idea about the the scale of the event the BBC has on its hands, and BBC Radio Leeds journalist Pete Allison gives us his pitch for his city to host next year.

03:38 - Bella Qvist on what it's like for Eurovision to come to town

14:21 - The EBU's Dave Goodman

29:43 - Fernand Frimpong Jr. on the scale of the production

36:00 - Pete Allison on Leeds's bid to host

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2022 Series Finale

Tue, 24 May 2022 23:01:56 GMT

For one final time during the 2022 Eurovision season, we're back with you and this time we're rounding up our favourite moments from the last year. But before that, we bring you the final chapter in the Domi Diary as we catch up with Czech Republic's We Are Domi in the aftermath of Eurovision 2022.

09:25 - The final chapter of the Domi Diary

32:26 - James's chat with Citi Zeni

39:08 - Rob interviews Blind Channel in a library

46:03 - James is reunited with Anders Bagge

52:45 - Rob's favourite Spotify playlist

60:28 - The final One Second Song

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Timur Miroshnychenko on the importance of Ukraine's Eurovision success

Tue, 17 May 2022 23:01:38 GMT

In our first episode since Ukraine's Eurovision 2022 victory, we bring you a hugely important conversation with Kyiv based broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko. He discusses commentating on the contest from a bomb shelter, his emotions after Kalush Orchestra were declared the winner, and what the future holds for Ukraine and the contest.

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Live from Turin: Grand Final Preview

Fri, 13 May 2022 23:01:00 GMT

The only guide you need to the Grand Final of Eurovision 2022. We've invited some of the biggest experts that Eurovision has to offer to get you up to speed for tonight. We chat the UK and Ukraine with Paul Jordan, ESC Insight and Bet Eurovision's Ben Robertson takes us through the odds, Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek talks about Sweden's chances, EurovisionSpain's Milena Gonzalez tells us about Spain's chances, and finally Zoe London and Scott Bryan guide us through everything else we need to know!

05:35 - Dr Eurovision, Paul Jordan

16:24 - Betting expert Ben Robertson

25:50 - Zoe London & Scott Bryan Part 1

36:05 - Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek

43:42 - Zoe London & Scott Bryan Part 2

51:24 - EurovisionSpain's Milena Gonzalez

51:51 - Zoe London & Scott Bryan Part 3

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Live from Turin: Day Six

Fri, 13 May 2022 14:01:26 GMT

The boys are back together again to react to all the news from semi-final two. They continue the We Are Domi qualification party with BBC Radio Leeds journalist Pete Allison as he tells us more about their adopted home in the UK, then there's a catch up with the lads from Aussievision, and Emma Kelly joins us live from the press centre after a difficult night for Ireland.

10.15" - Pete Allison on We Are Domi

23.46" - Aussievision discuss Australia's qualification

37.20" - Emma Kelly reflects on Ireland's NQ

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Live from Turin: Day Five

Thu, 12 May 2022 11:15:29 GMT

We're back in Margarita's kitchen looking ahead to semi-final two with a whole host of great guests. First up host of the official Eurovision podcast Steve Holden stops by to take us behind the scenes of the Pala Olimpico, before podcast favourite and already Swedish superstar Bella Qvist returns. Then there's a chance to hear from two of the artists competing in semi-final two, WRS from Romania, and Australia's Sheldon Riley.

05.13" - Steve Holden goes behind the scenes

17.55" - Bella Qvist discusses Sweden's chances

30.16" - WRS from Romania chats on the turquoise carpet

34.32" - Sheldon Riley joins us from his hotel

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Live from Turin: Day Four

Wed, 11 May 2022 16:30:26 GMT

This week's trip to Turin has taken a rather unexpected turn, so join Rob for a slightly alternative look back at the results of semi-final one. We review the action with listener Will, before getting the thoughts of Dr Eurovision himself, Mr Paul Jordan. There's also a return to the podcast for the President of OGAE Italy, Cristina Giuntini.

10.38" - Listener Will on his view inside the Pala Olimpico

20.00" - Paul Jordan reviews the semi-final one qualifiers

32.44" - Cristina Giuntini from OGAE Italy on a very busy week for her

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Live from Turin: Day Three

Mon, 09 May 2022 23:01:47 GMT

The boys prepare for the first live show ahead of semi-final one kicking off the contest in style. The catch up with pre-contest favourites Kalush Orchestra about the importance of their participation, while they also hear from Amanda Tenfjord on Greece's entry this year.

Iceland's commentator gives us an idea on his life working at the contest, and there's a chance to chat with Norway's Head of Delegation about managing an artist unlike any other!

05.21" - Kalush Orchestra on the importance of competing.

09.31" - Amanda Tenfjord discusses Greece's chances.

16.35" - Stig Karlsen on managing SubWoolfer.

23.06" - Gísli Marteinn Baldursson chats about commentating on the contest.

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Live from Turin: Day Two

Sun, 08 May 2022 23:01:09 GMT

We bring you all the very best action from the turquoise carpet and the opening ceremony of Eurovision 2022. The episode features a massive ten interviews with the stars of this year's contest as we take you closer to the action inside the grounds of the stunning Venaria Reale, just north of Turin.

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Live from Turin: Day One

Sat, 07 May 2022 23:01:08 GMT

We kick off our coverage from the host city! The boys begin the episode outside this year's Eurovision arena before heading inside for a catch up with the EBU's Dave Goodman. There's also an appearance from Swedish commentator Edward af Sillen before they head for an interview with the UK's Sam Ryder.

06.06" - Dave Goodman from the EBU

18.59" - Swedish commentator Edward af Sillen

28.45" - Sam Ryder joins us

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The UK at Eurovision - 25 years since victory

Thu, 05 May 2022 23:01:57 GMT

In this bonus episode, James shares a documentary he's been working on over the last few months.

The UK is arguably one of, if not the most successful country in the Eurovision Song Contest. Alongside its five victories, the country has a further 18 top three results in the Grand Final of the world’s biggest music competition. But since 1997, that’s a full 25 years ago, the UK has failed to add another victory to its already impressive collection. Instead, the nation has found itself more often than not at the bottom end of the scoreboard; finishing last overall five times, two of which with the dreaded nul points – zero points. Its broadcaster, the BBC, has seemingly tried everything to change its fortunes around, but over the last quarter of a century, results inside the top 10 have only come their way three times, and the most recent time was over a decade ago. So with help from artists, TV producers, journalists and more, let’s figure out why the UK hasn't won the Eurovision Song Contest for 25 years.

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Stefan, Cornelia Jakobs & the Domi Diary

Tue, 03 May 2022 23:01:52 GMT

We start this week's episode with a phone call, as Rob hasn't turned up to record... but we still have time to catch up with three of this year's Eurovision artists. First we speak to We Are Domi, for the last entry into the Domi Diary. Then Estonia's Stefan stops by for a chat we had before he flew to Turin, and then podcast favourite Cornelia Jakobs returns to tell us about her first rehearsal.

08:54 - (We Are) Domi Diary

20:56 - Stefan from Estonia

30:35 - Cornelia Jakobs from Sweden

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Circus Mircus, Systur & MARO

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 23:01:49 GMT

In a surprise turn of events, Rob and James are in person for this week's episode, catching up with three of this year's Eurovision artists. First they head to Portugal to catch up with MARO, then they hop up to Iceland for a catch with Iceland's Systur, and then chaos ensues with Circus Mircus from Georgia.

09:34 - MARO from Portugal

23:16 - Systur from Iceland

34:44 - Circus Mircus from Georgia

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Lauri from The Rasmus & Karaoke Covers

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 23:01:54 GMT

In a week which features even more random conversation than normal, The Rasmus frontman returns to the podcast to discuss their journey to Eurovision. We also hear what went down at the final Eurovision pre-party of the season in Madrid with Milena from Eurovision-Spain.com, and in a podcast first... a guest almost misses their interview to have a baby!

09.18" - Latest Eurovision News

15.18" - Milena Gonzalez from Eurovision-Spain.com

22.47" - Another instalment on the Trek to Turin

33.18" - Lauri from The Rasmus returns for a chat

43.38" - One Second Song

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BBC Eurovision's Lee Smithurst & Pasta, Pasta, Pasta!

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 23:01:48 GMT

In an exclusive interview, the BBC's Series Producer of Eurovision Lee Smithurst joins us to chat all about their plans for Turin. How did the TAP deal come about? When did Space Man get chosen? What will Sam's staging look like? We'll chat about all that and more! Also, our Trek to Turin continues and we get the lowdown from Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam.

06:01 - Eurovision news

09:32 - Eurovision in Concert with Corrie Wouters

17:58 - Trek to Turin

32:18 - Exclusive Interview with Lee Smithurst

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Andrea & Turin's Tourist Board

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 23:01:50 GMT

North Macedonia's 2022 singer stops by for a chat ahead representing her country at Eurovision this year. During the chat she tells us more about her staging plans, and how she hopes to use the contest as a springboard for more success. There's another addition of the 'Trek to Turin' despite James' struggling with his pronounciations, and BBC Radio 1's Daniel Rosney gives us the lowdown after the London Eurovision Party.

09.18" - Latest Eurovision News

14.00" - BBC Radio 1's Daniel Rosney on London Eurovision

24.35" - The 'Trek to Turin'

34.59" - Andrea from North Macedonia joins us

50.20" - The One Second Song

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Christer Bjorkman talks American Song Contest, Eurovision and more!

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 23:01:24 GMT

He holds almost legendary status in the world of the Eurovision Song Contest, now Christer Bjorkman has headed stateside to lift the American Song Contest off the ground. He gives us an idea about how much work has been put in to get the show to our screens, he tells us how many songs were submitted to the competition and he also gives us his thoughts about the headline making viewing figures. We also squeeze in a chat about Melfest and Eurovision too!

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Brooke & (We Are) DOMI Diary Part 2

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 23:01:43 GMT

Eurovision 2022 is getting closer and closer, and this week Rob and James catch up with both Brooke from Ireland and Czech Republic's We Are Domi stop by for another entry into the DOMI Diary. The boys also kickstart their Trek to Turin.

08:34 - Eurovision News roundup

13:48 - (We Are DOMI) Diary

28:21 - Trek to Turin with Marcello Graziano

41:50 - Brooke from Ireland

61:15 - One Second Song

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Mia Dimsic & Travel Vloggers

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:01:43 GMT

We start our look ahead to Turin as we're joined by Croatia's representative for Eurovision 2022. Elsewhere we review your semi-final running order picks, and preview what we can expect in this year's host city with the help of some trusty travel vloggers. There's also a look back at the first American Song Contest show with the help of the 12 Points from America podcast.

07.44" - Latest Eurovision News

14.37" - Erik Nelson from 12 Points from America

25.15" - A tour around Turin with the help of YouTube

39.20" - Croatia's Mia Dimšić joins us for a chat

1.00.00" - One Second Song

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Selection Season Wrap & Melfest Gossip

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 00:01:12 GMT

In what seems like the blink of an eye, national selection season of 2022 has come to an end. On this week's podcast, we bring you a selection of our favourite interviews from the last two months, we update you on all the gossip from the Melfest afterparty and Rob's been busy with the Spotify playlists again...

04:47 - Melfest Gossip

12:42 - Eurovision news update

18:32 - Rachel Mackay's Songvakeppnin update

23:01 - Rob's Spotify playlists

30:10 - National final winners

49:12 - One Second Song

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Live from Stockholm: Melfest Final Reaction

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:01:01 GMT

After six weeks Melodifestivalen 2022 is over and Rob & James wrap up the action with the stars of the show. They're live in Stockholm one last time in the immediate aftermath of the Final with a whole host of brilliant interviews to conclude this series of Melfest Monday, including the brilliant winner... Cornelia Jakobs.

09.04" - Liamoo reacts to his 4th place finish.

11.09" - Cazzi Opeia gives her thoughts on the final.

14.17" - James reunites with runner-up Anders Bagge.

17.29" - Melfest Producer Anette Brattström reviews the series.

20.59" - Host Oscar Zia on his starring role in 2022.

22.37" - Winner Cornelia Jakobs chats after her brilliant win.

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Live from Stockholm: Saturday

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:01:33 GMT

We've made it... the Final of Melodifestivalen is tonight and we're here as excitement builds ahead of the show. Join Rob & James around Stockholm as they head to OGAE Sweden's pre-party before travelling to the arena. During the episode they chat to Sophia Ahlin from the Swedish fan club, Eurovision legend Anna Sahlene, and podcast favourite Ben Robertson is back on the podast. Make sure to check back with us on Monday for the last episode of the series...

05.17" - Sohia Ahlin from OGAE Sweden

10.26" - Melfest & Eurovision legend Anna Sahlene chats to us.

18.30" - Bet Eurovision's Ben Robertson is back with us.

30.16" - Fan favourite Cornelia Jakobs gives her final interview.

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Live from Stockholm: Friday

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:01:07 GMT

Rob and James have made it to the Swedish capital to begin their coverage ahead of the Melodifestivalen final. They set up camp inside the Friends Arena before catching up with fan favourites Klara Hammarström and LIAMOO, as well as going behind the scenes with SVT photographer Annika Berglund.

05.44" - LIAMOO joins us from his hotel.

14.55" - Annika Berglund on being the official Melfest photographer.

24.20" - Klara Hammarström joins us.

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Sam Ryder is the UK's entry for Eurovision 2022!

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 19:28:21 GMT

The news we've finally been waiting for, Sam Ryder has been announced as the UK's entry for Eurovision 2022 with the song Space Man. And with thanks to Steve Holden from BBC Radio 1, we bring you an extended cut of his chat with Sam that you won't hear anywhere else!

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Andi Knoll & Israeli Lifts

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:01:41 GMT

James is on-the-mend this week so instead Austria's Eurovision commentator joins Rob to co-host the podcast this week. They talk all things Austria and Eurovision, and there's also plenty of other guests who stop by for a chat including two of the National Final favourites competing in Iceland and Portugal. And even though James' isn't around, there's still time for the One Second Song.

04.19" - Andi Knoll Part One

12.44" - Latest Eurovision News

18.37" - Daughters of Reykjavik on Songvakeppnin

33.53" - MARO on her chances in Festival Da Canção

45.15" - Andi Knoll Part Two

59.46" - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Six

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:01:13 GMT

With less than a week to go till the Melodifestivalen final we preview all the action and predict who might represent Sweden in Turin. Unfortunately James is feeling unwell, but to make up for it we're joined by two special guests... Jenny Ågren from Aftonbladet is back, and we also hear the thoughts of Bet Eurovision podcast host and Stockholm resident Ben Robertson too.

On top of that we catch up with Robin Bengtsson ahead of the Final, and prestigious backing singer Dea Norberg also returns to Melfest Monday.

04.21" - Ben & Jenny Part One

13.07" - Melfest Monday Hall of Fame

21:00" - Dea Norberg Interview

32:14" - Robin Bengtsson Interview

40.04" - Ben & Jenny Part Two

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National Finalists & a UK Theory

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:01:02 GMT

We've gone national final crazy this week as we're joined by a mammoth FIVE artists hoping to represent their country at Eurovision this May. Zorja and Gramophonedzie from Serbia stop by to chat Pesma za Evroviziju, Felicia Lu and Malik Harris from Germany talk all things Germany 12 Points, and Dansk Melodi Grand Prix hopefuls Fuld Effekt talk about their hopes to represent Denmark. We also have a theory about the UK and the BBC...

06:21 - Eurovision News Round Up

11:51 - Zorja Interview

20:05 - Gramophonedzie Interview

23:31 - A UK Eurovision theory

25:40 - Fuld Effekt Interview

36:37 - Felicia Lu & Malik Harris

48:17 - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Five

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:01:12 GMT

The four heats are now in the history books, and now we turn our attention to the new look semi final this coming weekend. Tobbe Ek is our special guest this week as he helps us review the weekend's action and preview what's to come on Saturday, plus semi finalists Alvaro Estrella and Cazzi Opeia stop by ahead of their performances at the weekend.

03:44 - Tobbe Ek Part One

17:32 - Melfest Monday Hall of Fame

22:22 - Alvaro Estrella Interview

30:14 - Cazzi Opeia Interview

38:28 - Tobbe Ek Part Two

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Return of Anna Bergendahl & Broadband Apologies

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:01:45 GMT

After she told us she wouldn't be competing in Melodifestivalen, Anna returns to explain her change of heart. Elsewhere in the episode James' catches up with Finnish hopefuls Cyan Kicks, and Rob gets ready for Australia Decides with the help of Kyriakos from Aussievision.

07.17" - Latest Eurovision News

16.22" - Kyriakos from Aussievision ahead of Australia Decides

24.44" - Cyan Kicks talk all things UMK.

35.51" - Anna Bergendahl returns to the podcast.

49.00" - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Four

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:01:13 GMT

We're halfway there! James & Rob are joined by Aftonbladet's Jenny Ågren to take a look back at Saturday's show and look ahead to the final heat. They catch up with two of the debut acts taking part in the show too, with Malin Christin and Tenori joining Rob for a chat, and of course there's yet another edition of the Melfest Monday Hall of Fame.

03.27" - Jenny Ågren Part One

14.48" - Melfest Monday Hall of Fame

20.25" - Malin Christin Interview

29.28" - Tenori Interview

38.34" - Jenny Ågren Part Two

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Narguiz Birk-Petersen & (We Are) DOMI Diary

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:01:26 GMT

You'll forgive us for giving you such a long episode today, but we have three amazing guests that we know you're going to love! Narguiz Birk-Petersen hosted Eurovision 10 years ago in Baku and she joins us to to give an insight into one of TV's most stressful roles. Anders Bagge is one of Sweden's biggest names who's singing career began on The Masked Singer last year, he stops by ahead of his Melfest debut this weekend, and in the first instalment of our Domi Diary, Czech representatives We Are Domi give us an update on their preparations for Turin.

06:25 - Eurovision news roundup

11:53 - Anders Bagge Interview

30:00 - Domi Diary

46:32 - Narguiz Birk-Petersen Interview

69:39 - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Three

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:01:35 GMT

We're two heats down in Melfest 2022, and the boys are back to review everything from the weekend, and look ahead to next weekend's show. SVT's Melodifestivalen expert and Mellopedia creator Gustav Dahlander joins Rob and James to digest the action, artists Faith Kakembo and and Cazzi Opeia chat about their hopes for Heat 3, and there's another edition of the Melfest Monday Hall of Fame.

04:00 - Gustav Dahlander Part One

16:50 - Melfest Monday Hall of Fame

22:43 - Faith Kakembo

29:51 - Cazzi Opeia

41:29 - Gustav Dahlander Part Two

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Victor Crone & the Head of Ukranian TV

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:01:48 GMT

One of the busiest men in the world of Eurovision joins Rob and James to chat about his involvement in Melodifestivalden and Eesti Laul. Indeed Victor spoke to us after a very successful week which saw his pal Stig Rasta progress to the Eesti Laul Grand Final, and his co-written Melfest entry "Innocent Love" qualify direct to the Melfest Final.

We also bring you an exclusive chat with the Head of Ukranian television ahead of this weekend's Vidbir, the President of OGAE Italy is here to reflect on Sanremo, and James' embarrases himself during the One Second Song.

10.03" - Latest Eurovision News.

17.06" - Cristina Giuntini from OGAE Italy.

25.58" - Yaroslav Lodygin discusses Vidbir 2022.

35.57" - James' National Final Lyric of the Week

38.46" - Victor Crone on Eesti Laul, Melfest & more.

58.26" - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Two

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:01:29 GMT

This year's competition is up and running and the boys have lots to talk about after a dramatic opening show. Bella Qvist joins the boys to discuss all the action as Cornelia Jakobs and Robin Bengtsson qualified for the Grand Final. There's also another edition of the Melfest Monday Hall of Fame, and Mimi (Browsing Collection) and Alvaro Estrella stop by for a chat.

04.04" - Bella Qvist Part One

14.46" - Melfest Monday Hall of Fame

21.01" - Mimi from Browsing Collection

33.56" - Alvaro Estrella

41.54" - Bella Qvist Part Two

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We're commentating on Melodifestivalen!

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 00:01:15 GMT

The boys have got some very exciting news! Join Rob and James as they provide English language text commentary in the Melodifestivalen & Mello United apps during the live show. Important to remember that the Mello United app is only available on tablets in the UK... and you might need Google Translate to get yourself set up too.

Once you've successfully downloaded and set up your profile (use a Google account if you can!) then hit the screen in the top right corner or tilt your phone to watch live and chose the commentary from The Euro Trip podcast. See you in the app!

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Anna Sahlene & Golden Retrievers

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:01:38 GMT

As we approach one of the busiest weekends of national selection season, we're joined by a whole host of guests to get you up to speed with Eurovision 2022. Anna Sahlene represented Estonia 20 years ago, and is back this year to try her luck again. Gebrasy from Lithuania stops by to chat about his hopes for this year, and Eurovision IN's Claudio Sartorelli tells us all about Sanremo.

10:45" - Eurovision news roundup

15:42" - Claudio Sartorelli on Sanremo

25:22" - Gebrasy on his hopes to represent Lithuania

37:02" - Anna Sahlene 20 years on from Eurovision 2002

58:58" - The One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode One

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:01:09 GMT

As Europe's favourite Eurovision national selection is about to get under way, we're back with Melfest Monday to get you up to speed with everything you need to know about Melodifestivalen. Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek joins us to discuss the first heat, plus participants Robin Bengtsson and Cornelia Jakobs chat about their songs in this year's competition.

04:03 - Tobbe Ek Part One

14:49 - Melfest Monday Hall of Fame

20:43 - Robin Bengtsson

26:25 - Cornelia Jakobs

38:16 - Tobbe Ek Part Two

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Elina Nechayeva & Magnus III

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 00:01:25 GMT

Estonia's 2018 representative reveals why she wants to return to Eurovision this year, including how Netflix's "The Story of Fire Saga" inspired her to make a comeback. We also chat to Irish hopeful Brooke about her track "It's Rich" and her plans for her Late Late Show performance, and we preview Benidorm Fest with Eurovision-Spain.com's Milena Gonzalez.

17.17" - Milena Gonzalez chats all things Benidorm Fest

27.18" - Irish hopeful Brooke discusses her entry "That's Rich"

41.34" - Estonia's Elina Nechayeva on her hopes to return to Eurovision

59.30" - The One Second Song

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Blind Channel & The Rasmus

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 00:01:33 GMT

We've got a Finnish rock special as Rotterdam favourites Blind Channel stop by to chat about life after Eurovision. Podcast regular Bella Qvist hangs out to chat to the band, discuss the cancellation of the Melfest tour, and also tries her luck at the One Second Song.

And of course there's an exclusive chat with The Rasmus as they try their luck in UMK 2022.

09.46" - Latest Eurovision News

15.50" - Bella Qvist discusses all things Melfest

25.21" - The Rasmus give an exclusive interview

43.37" - Rob & Bella chat to Blind Channel

1.03.44" - The One Second Song

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We Are Domi & Massive Keys

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 00:01:56 GMT

We have our first artist of 2022 on the podcast this week, as Dominika, Casper and Benjamin from We Are Domi chat all things about representing the Czech Republic in Turin. We have all the latest reaction to the Melodi Grand Prix artist announcement from ESC Norge's Morten Thomassen. And, performers of the song that's got everyone talking over the last week, Citi Zeni from Latvia join us for an exclusive interview about their song Eat Your Salad.

04:53 - Czech Republic's We Are Domi

25:06 - Eurovision News Update

30:02 - MGP reaction from ESC Norge's Morten Thomassen

42:23 - Exclusive Interview with Latvia's Citi Zeni

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The Roop & Furniture Design

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 00:01:39 GMT

Lithuania's Eurovision heroes join us to reflect on their iconic Rotterdam performance, and reveal how they reacted when told they'd need to try again to represent the country in 2021. Rob chats to Alina Amon, one of the hopefuls trying to represent Romania in Turin, while James catches up with Eurovision Albania's Roni Klein to reflect on 'Sekret' winning Festivali i Këngës.

9.09" - Latest Eurovision News.

14.40" - Roni Klein discusses Ronela Hajati's FiK win.

23.16" - Alina Amon on her hopes to represent Romania.

32.23" - The Roop reflect on their time in Rotterdam.

52.07" - The One Second Song.

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Karin Gunnarsson on her role as Melfest producer

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 00:01:25 GMT

As we wrap up our festive specials for 2021, James sits down for a feature length chat with Karin Gunnarsson, one of the three producers of Europe's favourite national selections, Melodifestivalen. Karin chats about life after Christer Bjorkman, the changes to the show structure, and what to look out for in 2022.

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Jon Ola Sand on his decade as Executive Supervisor

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 09:52:03 GMT

In the first of our special feative treats we sit down with argueably the most influential figure at the contest over the last ten years. Jon Ola talks about why he decided to step down from the role, his favourite and most challenging moments, as well as some of the rule changes he would have liked to implement during his time in the job.

He also celebrates Italy finally winning the contest, and explains whether Kazakhstan or any other countries could debut in the near future.

You won't want to miss this!

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Almost Live From Paris: Grand Final Debrief

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 17:26:02 GMT

The final episode looking at Junior Eurovision 2021 is here, with all the reaction to Armenia's victory in Paris. We relive the moment Malena was crowned the winner before hearing from her just moments after she lifted the trophy. Press conference host Sebastian Barke is with us to revist the week, and OGAE Poland join us after coming so close to yet another win. We also catch up with Eurovision fan Conor Devlin who attended Sunday's show.

The moment Armenia were crowned the winners - 06.01"

Malena gives her reaction to winning Junior Eurovision - 07.50"

Sebastian Barke on his hosting duties in the Press Centre - 12.54"

OGAE Poland discuss finishing as runner-up in Paris - 22.29"

Eurovision fan Conor Devlin on watching the show up close - 29.19"

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Almost Live From Paris: Grand Final Preview

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 00:01:20 GMT

The time has finally come for the Grand Final of Junior Eurovision 2021 and the boys are here with a whole host of guests to get you right up to speed! Enzo and Simao Oliveira from France and Portugal speak about their chances of victory, Louise Cantillon and Niamh Ní Chróinín from Irish broadcaster TG4 speak about covering the contest in Paris, meanwhile Irish representative Maiú Levi Lawlor's headmaster Declan O'Leary tells us all about the young singer. Stijn Smulders from Eurovision.tv is live from Paris as he bids farewell to the world of Eurovision, and Fabien Randanne joins us one last time from La Seine Musicale.

02:04 - Portugal's Simão Oliveira

07:51 - French journalist Fabien Randanne

18:28 - A recap of the JESC 2021 songs - Part 1

24:14 - Eurovision.tv's Stijn Smulders

32:12 - A recap of the JESC 2021 songs - Part 2

35:14 - Maiú Levi Lawlor's headmaster Declan O'Leary

40:29 - TG4's Louise Cantillon and Niamh Ní Chróinín

49:07 - French representative Enzo

57:20 - Junior Eurovision Jukebox

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Almost Live From Paris: Saturday

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 00:01:59 GMT

It's Junior Eurovision Eve today, so our preview of the final in Paris tomorrow continues. We're joined by Elisabetta Lizza from Italy & Levi Diaz from Spain as they prepare to represent their nation. Dutch songwriter Ferry Lagendijk tells us about writing this year's entry for The Netherlands and we catch up with Fabien Randanne live from the press centre.

02:17 - Italy's Elisabetta Lizza

04:33 - French Journalist Fabien Randanne

15:09 - Dutch songwriter Ferry Lagendijk

25:34 - Spain's Levi Diaz

32:03 - Junior Eurovision Jukebox

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Almost Live From Paris: Friday

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:01:58 GMT

The boys begin looking ahead to Sunday's Junior Eurovision Grand Final with plenty of special guests. On this episode James takes us on a trip down memory lane, French journalist Fabien Randanne gives the view from Paris, and Malta's Ike & Kaya stop by for a chat.

History of Junior Eurovision - 05.42"

Fabien Randanne on live in the Press Centre - 17.39"

Ike & Kaya from Malta interview - 25.59"

Junior Eurovision Jukebox - 34.46"

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Stefania & Jagerbombs

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:01:10 GMT

Ahead of this weekend's Junior Eurovision Song Contest, we're brining you a chat with Stefania who has competed at both the adult and junior versions of the Eurovision Song Contest. We also update you on our plans for the weekend, speak to another Eurovision 2022 hopeful and hear from one of this year's JESC competitors.

12:00 - Eurovision news roundup

15:40 - Nathan Cassidy's Eurovision dream

23:55 - Our plans for Junior Eurovision

25:20 - French act Enzo ahead of JESC

27:53 - Stefania on JESC 2016 and ESC 2021

52:52 - The One Second Song

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Stig Karlsen & Tomato Soup

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:01:52 GMT

We're delighted to welcome Norway's Head of Delegation to tell the boys what we need to know ahead of Melodi Grand Prix 2022. There's also an exciting conversation with ESCZ entrant Giudi & music producer Joshua James about their entry which is hoping to fly the Czech flag in Turin.

Latest Eurovision News - 10.36"

Giudi & Joshua James chat about "Jezinky" - 18.23"

James is joined by Norway Head of Delegation Stig Karlsen - 36.10"

The One Second Song - 59.37"

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Andrius Pojavis & Christmas Decorations

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:01:46 GMT

This week we head back to 2013 and speak to Lithuania's entrant Andrius Pojavis about his life and career. We also get the inside line on the rumour that Monaco is returning to the contest in 2023, and we put a special callout to budding Eurovision artists.

10:17 - Eurovision news update.

16:15 - Eurovision-FR's Nisay Samreth on the Monaco rumour.

25:20 - A special callout to budding Eurovision artists.

27:05 - Lithuania's Andrius Pojavis.

52:01 - One Second Song.

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Michael Kealy & Theme Music

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 12:53:57 GMT

In a feature lenth interview, Ireland's Head of Delegation joins Rob and James to give them the inside scoop on their plans for 2022. Friends of the podcast Mike & Dale from Aussievision also stop by for a chat, and we bring you potentially the greatest Spotify playlist of all-time.

10.01" - Latest Eurovision News.

17.39" - Aussievision join the boys for a chat.

29.43" - Rob shares a playlist discovery.

37.20" - Michael Kealy discusses Ireland's Eurovision plans.

1.08.00" - The One Second Song.

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Ovi & Spreadsheets

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 00:01:43 GMT

He's represented Romania twice at the contest alongside Paula Selling, Ovi stops by for an in depth chat about his experiences. We also hear from Carl Magnus Palm on ABBA's comeback and we share our plans for Junior Eurovision next month.

10:05 - Eurovision news update

16:01 - Carl Magnus Palm chats all things ABBA

26:50 - James's picks for the #ESC250

33:01 - Ovi on his Eurovision adventures

56:42 - One Second Song

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Anna Bergendahl & T-Shirt Quotes

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:01:51 GMT

The fan favourite and Melfest star reminisces about her Eurovision experience and future career ambitions. The boys also get the latest on Germany's plans for their 2022 selection, and which of their previous guests would make their #ESC250?

09.01" - Eurovision News Update.

14.30" - DJ Douze Point from ESC Kompakt on "Lied für Turin"

23.44" - Rob picks his choice for #ESC250.

29.55" - Anna Bergendahl joins us for a big interview.

55.45" - The one Second Song.

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Niamh Kavanagh & Egg Baskets

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:01:18 GMT

Ireland's 1993 Eurovision winner recounts her story of winning the contest and returning almost two decades later. Elsewhere on this week's episode there's a triumphant return for 'Calendar Watch' and we hear all about Benidorm Fest with Spanish fan and journalist Luis Mesa.

10.06" - Eurovision News Update.

14.27" - Luis Mesa discusses Benidorm Fest.

30.13" - Niamh Kavanagh joins us for the big interview.

1.00.40" - The One Second Song.

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Valentina Monetta & BLT Sandwiches

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 23:01:55 GMT

Another week, another bumper episode of the world's favourite Eurovision podcast. Firstly we'll chat to Emma Kelly on the media reaction to the BBC's plans for 2022, then the EBU's Dave Goodman stops by to update us on the planning for Turin, and finally we hear from none other than Valentina Monetta on her mammoth four appearances at the contest.

09:29 - Emma Kelly on the media response in the UK

16:36 - All the latest Eurovision news

20:46 - The EBU's Dave Goodman on planning for Turin

35:20 - Valentina Monetta on her Eurovision experiences

60:27 - One Second Song

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The UK's plan for Eurovision 2022 revealed!

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 17:09:10 GMT

An exclusive chance to hear Ben Mawson discussing why he's decided to take on the challenge of changing the UK's fortunes at the contest. The boys are also joined by BBC Radio 1's Music Reporter Steve Holden to discuss his interview as they react to the big news.

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Jowst & Calendars

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 23:01:44 GMT

A bumper episode of the podcast as the Norwegian DJ and songwriter discusses his love for Eurovision and his quest to return to the contest. There's also the inside track on two big Eurovision stories, namely, who'll be representing Greece? And what changes can we expect from Melfest 2022?

There's also a lot of talk about calendars... and the conversation returns to everyone's favourite listener, James' Grandma.

06.49" - The latest Eurovision news

12.03" - Who could be representing Greece in Turin?

20.57" - Tobbe Ek joins us to discuss changes to Melfest in 2022.

36.51" - Jowst tells us all about his experience in Kyiv, and love of Eurovision.

59.22" - Rob challenges James to the One Second Song.

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Jeangu Macrooy & Wooden Rabbits

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 23:01:07 GMT

Another week, and another podcast where we look back at 2021 and look ahead to 2022. Jeangu Macrooy stops by for a chat to review his experience in Roterdam, and Cristina Giuntini, OGAE Italy's President gives us an update on last week's news that Eurovision is heading to Turin next May.

09:20 - Eurovision news update

15:16 - OGAE Italy's President Cristina Giuntini

30:05 - Jeangu Macrooy reflects on Eurovision 2021

52:35 - One Second Song

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Eurovision 2022 is headed to Turin!

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 16:08:33 GMT

Rob presents an emergency episode of the podcast with reaction to reveal of next year's host city. He's joined by Claudio Sortorelli from Italian Eurovision news site Eurovision IN before catching up with Mark Lowen, the BBC's Rome Correspondent.

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The Black Mamba & James' Grandma

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 23:01:28 GMT

The countdown to Eurovision 2022 starts here as the podcast returns for weekly episodes. The boys are joined by the Portuguese boys who took Rotterdam by storm, and there's an update on when we might hear that all important host city decision.

09.16" - Latest Eurovision news

14.17" - Claudio from Eurovision IN join us to discuss the host city race

25.00" - The Black Mamba reflect on their Rotterdam experiences

48.10" - The One Second Song returns

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Husavik's Eurovision Fairytale

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 23:01:57 GMT

In this very special episode of the podcast, we hear from Örlygur Örlygsson, the founder of the world's first Eurovision exhibition based in Husavik. His colleague Rachel Mackay takes us on a tour of the now famous town and Miss Husavik herself, Molly Sanden stops by for a chat after she became a household name because of the Netflix film, 'The Story of Fire Saga'.

09:50 - Rachel Mackay Part One

19:25 - Örlygur Örlygsson Interview

31:17 - Rachel Mackay Part Two

43:30 - Molly Sanden Interview

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The Contest & Me: Petra Mede

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 23:01:56 GMT

Host of Eurovision 2013 and 2016, Melodifestivalen and Eurovision's Greatest Hits - Petra Mede joins us for a rare English language interview. She talks us through her earliest memories of the contest, some ridiculous stories from hosting the event itself and hints at a desire to be involved again in the future...

We've been promising something big for a while, and we're sure this lives up to the hype!

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The Contest & Me: Zoe London

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 23:01:00 GMT

Zoe London, famed multi-genre DJ joins us to go through her love of the Eurovision Song Contest. We hear about her Eurovision themed school talent show, a once in a lifetime trip to Lisbon in 2018 and what she wants to see at the contest in the future.

Supported by Plant-Based Face Off.

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The Contest & Me: Scott Bryan

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 23:01:18 GMT

The esteemed TV Critic and broadcaster joins us on a journey through Eurovision past, present and future. We learn how an argument meant he missed the crowning of one of the contest's most iconic winners, and which famous face from previous editions Scott would like to see return to our TV screens.

Supported by Plant-Based Face Off.

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The Contest & Me: Alex Mansuroglu

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 23:01:56 GMT

Radio presenter on Kiss FM Alex Mansuroglu joins the boys to chat about his love affair with the Eurovision Song Contest. He also reveals how he thinks the UK should change its approach and what he wants to see changed at the contest.

Supported by Plant-Based Face Off.

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The Contest & Me: Bella Qvist

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:01:03 GMT

The Swedish Eurovision expert and Melfest commentator joins us to discuss her love of Eurovision and her favourite memories of the contest. They include a memorable party in Sheffield, her wait for a DM from a previous winner, and how she has celebrated many a Swedish victory.

Supported by Plant-Based Face Off.

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The Contest & Me: Steve Rosenberg

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 23:01:57 GMT

The BBC's Moscow correspondent talks Russian Grannies & much much more, including the time he ended up live on Russian State TV as they selected their song for Eurovision. Rob also shares some of your first memories of seeing the contest, and we wish James a speedy recovery.

Supported by Plant-Based Face Off.

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The Contest & Me: Paddy O'Connell

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 23:01:28 GMT

The BBC broadcaster & Eurovision commentator shares his memories of the contest as the series kicks off in style. The boys also give an update about what they've been upto since the last episode, and give more details about what to expect over the next few weeks.

Supported by Plant-Based Face Off.

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Coming Soon: The Contest & Me

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 17:42:59 GMT

Get ready for a brand new series bringing you stories from well known Eurovision fans across the globe. Episodes drop every Wednesday, starting 4th August 2021.

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2021 Series Finale

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 23:01:02 GMT

The final episode of the current Eurovision season is here as Rob and James reminisce over the last few months. They relive some of their favourite interviews, as well as look back at this year's contest with the European Broadcasting Union's Communications Lead, Dave Goodman. And it wouldn't be the final episode without a double helping of the One Second Song.

10.15" - Dave Goodman Interview

30.25" - Best Moments of 2020/21

55.28" - One Second Song

Proudly sponsored by Cloudwater Soda and Queer Brewing.

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Eurovision 2021 Grand Final Debrief

Tue, 25 May 2021 23:01:06 GMT

Eurovision 2021 has been and gone, and the boys are back for the penultimate episode of the season to debrief all the action from the weekend. They'll chat to the President of OGAE Italy to get their reaction to the nation's win, Dr Zoe Jay explains why Europe voted the way it did and BBC Radio 1's Steve Holden is back again to review the big show.

10:40 - Cristina Giuntini, President of OGAE Italy

23:40 - Dr Zoe Jay reviews the voting patterns

38:10 - BBC Radio 1's Steve Holden

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Almost Live from Rotterdam: Grand Final Preview

Fri, 21 May 2021 23:01:42 GMT

After two years of waiting, it's finally the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest! The boys are here with your big preview show with a plethora of esteemed guests to get you right up to speed ahead of the big show tonight!

08:10 - Fabien Randanne on Barbara Pravi

18:15 - Ben Robertson on the betting odds

27:25 - Your Good Luck messages

29:40 - Martin Österdahl

32:45 - Kristina Chetcuti on Destiny

38:30 - Ari Olafsson, Bella Qvist & Daniel Rosney

59:00 - The Class of 2021

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Almost Live from Rotterdam: Friday

Fri, 21 May 2021 16:00:57 GMT

The boys celebrate Eurovision Grand Final eve with a whole host of special guests. Dr Abby Waysdorf is back on the podcast after attending the second semi-final in the Ahoy arena, there's also the chance to hear from Go_A, a Eurovision memory from Ireland 1994, and the results of The Euro Trip's Eurovision Sweepstake are revealed. Plus Sissi joins us to discuss her role as Estonia's spokesperson in the Grand Final.

08.45" - Dr Abby Waysdorf on sem-final two.

21.00" - Go_A join us to discuss their Eurovision hopes.

27.10" - Paul & Charlie share their Eurovision memory.

30.40" - Sweepstake Draw

35.50" - Sissi discusses being Estonia's spokesperson.

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Almost Live from Rotterdam: Thursday

Thu, 20 May 2021 06:55:09 GMT

The second semi-final of Eurovision 2021 is here! The boys are joined by special guests Zoe London and Ole Topholm to discuss what might happen, as well as being joined by Benny Cristo from the Czech Republic. There's also another great Eurovision memory from winner of the 2001 contest, Dave Benton.

07.14" - Zoe & Ole Part 1

15.54" - Benny Cristo Interview

30.30" - Angry Eurovision Local Tweets

33.38" - Dave Benton's Eurovision Memory

38.17" - Zoe & Ole Part 2

Proudly sponsored by Cloudwater Soda & Queer Brewing.

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Almost Live from Rotterdam: Wednesday

Wed, 19 May 2021 15:55:08 GMT

The first live show of Eurovision 2021 is done and dusted, and we're joined by some special guests to look back at the action. Mike and Dale from Aussievision react to Australia's first NQ and Dr Abby Waysdorf tells us what it was like inside the Ahoy as a fan. We also bring you the very latest news about the Icelandic delegation with help from Rachel The Húsavík Eurovision Exhibition. We look ahead briefly to semi final two with Austria's entry Vincent Bueno and have another special Eurovision memory.

09:20 - Rachel from The Húsavík Eurovision Exhibition

16:10 - Mike and Dale from Aussievision

28:55 - Dr Abby Waysdorf

39:50 - Andrius Mamontovas Eurovision Memory

44:55 - Vincent Bueno Interview

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Almost Live from Rotterdam: Tuesday

Mon, 17 May 2021 23:01:47 GMT

Tonight we will see the first live show of Eurovision 2021, and today the boys are joined by Brian O'Reilly and Ben Robertson to preview all the action. Australia's entry Montaigne stops by to chat about her chances in tonight's show, Steve Holden returns and we've got a special Eurovision memory from Dami Im.

06:35 - Brian O'Reilly & Ben Robertson (Part 1)

17:30 - Montaigne Interview

23:01 - Dami Im shares a Eurovision memory

26:50 - Brian O'Reilly & Ben Robertson (Part 2)

39:40 - Steve Holden previews tonight's semi-final

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Almost Live from Rotterdam: Monday

Mon, 17 May 2021 15:55:08 GMT

With just a day to go until the first semi-final of Eurovision 2021, the boys are joined by BBC Radio 1's Music Reporter Steve Holden to discuss his brand new documentary. Podcast favourite Sheila Kamerman also returns, and there's a Eurovision memory from previous winner Eldar Gasimov.

07.24" - Steve Holden (Part 1)

12.34" - Sheila Kamerman Interview

24.13" - Eldar Gasimov shares a Eurovision memory

28.21" - Steve Holden (Part 2)

Proudly sponsored by Queer Brewing & Cloudwater Soda.

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Ari Olafsson, Jana Burceska & Rehearsal Week

Tue, 11 May 2021 23:01:42 GMT

We're now halfway through Eurovision rehearsals, so we thought we should catch up with former artists Ari Olafsson and Jana Burceska to find out what rehearsal week is like for an artist. We also chat to press conference host Samya Hafsaoui about her important role, and we get an answer to lsat week's lost luggage story thanks to Israeli delegate Gilad Yanay.

07:50 - Gilad Yanay Interview

26:00 - Samya Hafsaoui Intreview

39:45 - Ari Olafsson & Jana Burceska Interview

61:30 - One Second Song

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Bakker Bonus: Countdown to Eurovision

Thu, 06 May 2021 23:01:01 GMT

We know how much you love a bonus episode of the podcast, so here we are with our 'Bakker Bonus' as we sit down for a two big conversations. Firstly we speak to Gerben Bakker, Eurovision's Head of Show as he tells us what we can expect from the three live shows. Then we chat to Sietse Bakker, the Executive Producer of this year's contest as he gets us up to speed with how preparations are going.

05:00 - Gerben Bakker Interview

41:05 - Sietse Bakker Interview

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James Newman & Lost Luggage

Tue, 04 May 2021 23:01:34 GMT

The UK's Eurovision 2021 artist is finally on the podcast. James Newman takes time away from his preparations for Rotterdam to discuss his whirlwind eighteen months, and there's two for the price of one as the Netherlands Jeangu Macrooy also joins us. And even more... Exec Producer Sietse Bakker also stops by to discuss the news we will be getting an audience this year.

News Update - 11.24"

Sietse Bakker Interview - 16.27"

Rotterdam Road Trip ft. Jeangu Macrooy - 22.10"

James Newman Interview - 40.28"

One Second Song - 1.00.21"

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Natalia Gordienko & Mean Tweets

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 23:01:59 GMT

Natalia Gordienko gives one of her first English language interviews ahead of Eurovision 2021, we chat to the boys from Aussievision about all things Australia and listener-come-guest Corrie tells us what it's like inside the Ahoy in Rotterdam.

11:30 - News round-up

14:30 - Mike and Dale from Aussievision

25:05 - Rotterdam Road Trip with Corrie Wouters

40:15 - Natalia Gordienko Interview

57:40 - One Second Song

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Tusse & Friday Beers

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 23:01:20 GMT

The man with Sweden's proud Eurovision history behind him, Tusse, joins us on the podcast this week. We also chat movies with Empire's Editor-at-large Helen O'Hara, with Husavik nominated at the Academy Awards due to take place later this week. Stijn Smulders is back too, with a very special Rotterdam Road Trip.

Concert In The Dark Preview

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 23:01:54 GMT

On this week's bonus episode of the podcast, we treat you to an exclusive pass to go behind the scenes of Concert In The Dark, one of the only pre-parties happening ahead of Eurovision 2021. Wednesday night's event will feature 15 of this year's artists as well as some familiar faces, and we speak to some of them ahead of the show. We also speak to the event producer, as well as the co-founder of More Trees, one of the event partners which viewers are encouraged to donate to.

You can watch Concert In The Dark live on Wednesday 21 April at 20:00 BST/21:00 CEST on eurovoix.tv

03:10 - Callum Rowe

12:00 - Nicki French

22:55 - Helen Boksle

28:45 - Eva & Kalle Rydberg

38:30 - Patrik Jean

47:15 - Niki Tibble

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Barbara Pravi & Iced Tea

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 23:01:30 GMT

In a jam-packed episode, we hear from not one but two of the class of 2021, including Rafal from Poland and Barbara Pravi from France. We're also joined by friend of the podcast Tobbe Ek who gets us to the bottom of the Dinah Nah story, and the Rotterdam Road Trip continues.

08:20 - Eurovision news round-up

11:00 - Tobbe Ek Interview

20:35 - Rotterdam Road Trip with Veerle Collignon

32:10 - Rafal Clip

36:00 - Barbara Pravi Interview

59:30 - One Second Song

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The Euro Trip x Coming Out Stories

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 23:01:54 GMT

Rob & James team up with host Emma Goswell to present a special episode of The Euro Trip, and Coming Out Stories. They chat Eurovision, LGBT rights, and why you should check out each other's podcasts.

Coming Out Stories will take you to one the most important moments in many people’s lives. It will perch you on sofas in suburban sitting rooms, stand you in front of officials' desks, put you at the centre of a crowd in a noisy classroom, everywhere where these conversations have happened. It doesn’t even matter if you haven’t had a conversation like this yourself, or indeed ever plan to. Everyone can recognise the innate human desire to love and be loved, and that’s what these stories are about.

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Destiny & Broken Fences

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 23:01:16 GMT

She's one of the favourites to win this year's Eurovision Song Contest; Malta's Destiny joins the boys to discuss her hopes and chances of taking the trophy back to the Mediterranean. There's yet another edition of our Rotterdam Road Trip, and things get a little high brow with an actual doctor joining us to discuss her latest Eurovision project.

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Blind Channel & Cocktails

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 23:01:07 GMT

Blind Channel, Finland's entry for Eurovision 2021 join Rob and James to chat about their lives since winning UMK, their hopes for Rotterdam and promise to buy us all a drink (you included). Conor Devlin talks about how he wcreated something special for Lesley Roy and The Euro Trip's Rotterdam Road Trip continues.

11:05 - News roundup

16:30 - Conor Devlin chats Lesley Roy's music video

28:30 - The Euro Trip's Rotterdam Road Trip

37:30 - Blind Channel Interview

51:40 - One Second Song

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Albina & Hotel Ice Cream

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 00:01:24 GMT

Albina (Croatia 2021) joins Rob and James as the podcast focuses on all things Rotterdam. There's also your chance to get involved with The Euro Trip's Eurovision Sweepstake, and we analyse the current odds to see if we can predict a winner. Oh, and podcast favourite Sheila Kamerman returns to give us another glimpse of life in this year's host city.

11.51" - Latest Eurovision News

18.23" - Ben Robertson discusses the latest odds ahead of this year's contest.

31.05" - The Euro Trip's Rotterdam Road Trip

44.40" - Albina (Croatia 2021) Interview

59.34" - One Second Song

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Christer Bjorkman Exclusive Interview

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:01:48 GMT

The man responsible for Sweden's incredible form at Eurovision over the past decade joins Rob & James for a feature length conversation covering everything from Melodifestivalen, Eurovision, and the upcoming American Song Contest. Don't skip ahead, as there are so many incredible stories in this special episode.

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Selection Season Wrap Party

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 00:01:35 GMT

After a whirlwind few months, national selection season has drawn to a close and it gives us a chance to pause, take a breath and take stock. Because of that, Rob and James have invited twi of their favourite artists along for a chat about the shows across Europe.

13:50 - Sissi and Pedro Gonçalves Interview

40:00 - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Seven

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:01:02 GMT

The series finale of Melfest Monday is here! Rob and James react to Tusse's victory with a whole host of special guests, including Bella Qvist, one of SVT's first ever English language commentators for the Grand Final. There's also another appearance from podcast favourites Stina Stjernkvist, and Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek.

03.14" - Bella Qvist (Part One)

13.38" - Hall of Fame

18.19" - Stina Stjernkvist Interview

27.25" - Tobbe Ek Interview

47.01" - Bella Qvist (Part Two)

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Making Their Mind Up: United Kingdom Song Review

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:01:44 GMT

Join Rob and James and a host of Eurovision stars as they discuss 'Embers' James Newman's entry for Rotterdam. Nicki French (UK 2000), James Fox (UK 2004), and Charlie McGettigan (Ireland 1994) are joined by Radio 1 Music Reporter Steve Holden as they chat about the UK's hopes this year, and changing perceptions of the contest at home.

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Linnea Deb & School Discos

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 00:01:10 GMT

Legendary songwriter Linnea Deb joins the boys to discuss her career, including her Eurovision win in 2015, and the three songs she has competing in this weekend's Melfest Final. Denmark's Eurovision commentator stops by to discuss his country's chances in Rotterdam, and we have all the gossip you need about Dadi's brand new song for Iceland.

08.40" - Eurovision News Roundup

15.10" - Ole Topholm Interview (Denmark's Eurovision Commentator)

25.33" - Freyr Eyjolfsson Interview (Icelandic TV Host)

36.14" - Linnea Deb Big Interview

57.50" - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Six

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 00:01:39 GMT

In our biggest episode to date, we are joined by a whole host of guests to review Saturday's Andra Chansen and of course preview the final of Melodifestivalen 2021. SVT's online expert Gustav Dahlander is our special guest throughout, we hear from Aftonbladet's Tobbe Ek on his predictions for the final, photographer of the stars Stina Stjernkvist gives us her unique perspective and finalist Anton Ewald shares his hopes ahead of the show.

05:15 - Gustav Dahlander Part One

16:50 - Melfest Monday Hall of Fame

22:45 - Stina Stjernkvist Interview

32:50 - Anton Ewald Interview

44:20 - Gustav Dahlander Part Two

49:20 - Martin Österdahl Clip

57:10 - Tobbe Ek Clip

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Martin Osterdahl Exclusive Interview

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 00:01:52 GMT

Hear Eurovision's Executive Supervisor like you've never heard him before. Martin Osterdahl joins James for an in-depth conversation about his life and career, Eurovision 2021, as well as what changes to the contest we can expect to see over the coming years.

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Cheryl Baker & Roast Dinners

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:01:51 GMT

We catch up with Cheryl Baker 40 years after her Eurovision triumph, we catch up with ESC Kompakt again to chat all about Germany's entry for 2021 and we head to Denmark to speak to The Cosmic Twins ahead of their appearance in Dansk Melodi Grand Prx this coming weekend.

07:50 - Eurovision News roundup

15:30 - ESC Kompakt discuss Germany's entry

23:30 - The Cosmic Twins Interview ahead of DMGP

32:00 - Cheryl Baker Interview

56:40 - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Five

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:01:01 GMT

The semi-finals are over! And wow, what a finale... Lovers of Valdaro singer Erik Gabriel joins Rob & James to review the action, as well as look ahead to next weekend's Second Chance Round. There's also an in-depth interview with Melfest debutants Lillasyster, and we try to find the "Best Melfestivalen Group" in the Hall of Fame.

03.42" - Erik Gabriel (Part One)

12.51" - Melfest Monday Hall of Fame

18.23" - Lillasyster Interview

25.57" - Erik Gabriel (Part Two)

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Jake Shakeshaft & Fancy Dress

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 00:01:14 GMT

We get the behind the scenes stories of Joe and Jake's time representing the United Kingdom in Eurovision from Jake Shakeshaft, there's also the latest news including a review of the Spanish entry from a journalist in based near Barcelona, and Portuguese singer Da Chick discusses her hopes to represent the country in Rotterdam.

08.58" - News Headlines

14.35" - Eurovision-Spain.com discuss their entry for Rotterdam

21.01" - Da Chick Interview on her hopes to represent Portugal

30.31" - Jake Shakeshaft Interview

53.34" - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Four

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:15 GMT

Dea Norberg, a singer who has performed at Melfest on a staggering 121 occasions joins Rob and James to review Saturday's show. Rob also chats to participants Lovad and Tess Merkel ahead of their semi final and another performer enters the Melfest Monday Hall of Fame.

04:40 - Dea Norberg Part One

17:45 - Melfest Monday Hall of Fame

23:10 - Lovad Interview

29:02 - Tess Merkel Interview

33:50 - Dea Norberg Part Two

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Behind the Scenes of Eurovision

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 00:01:46 GMT

A bonus Friday episode gets you closer to Eurovision than ever before as the boys bring you two feature length interviews. First up is Eurovision's king of digital content Stijn Smulders, as he reveals what it's like connecting with fans around the world, plus a behind the scenes look at #EurovisionAgain. Then there's the inside track on this year's contest from Eurovision 2021 Executive Producer Sietse Bakker in a real don't miss conversation.

02.35" - Stijn Smulders (Project Leader, YouTube Channel Manager & Voice-over for Eurovision and Junior Eurovision)

24.38" - Sietse Bakker (Executive Producer, Eurovision 2021)

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Keiino & Thai Curries

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:01:11 GMT

As the final of Melodi Grand Prix in Norway draws to a close this coming weekend, we chat to Tom, Fred and Alexandra from Keiino as they look to return to the Eurovision Song Contest. We also speak to Oskr ahead of the final of UMK and get the lowdown from BBC Radio 1's Steve Holden about Duncan Laurence entering music charts around the world.

07:25 - Eurovision news round-up

10:15 - Steve Holden on Eurovision in the charts

18:10 - Oskr from Finland speaks ahead of UMK

27:01 - Keiino Interview

49:50 - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Three

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:01:04 GMT

Melodifestivalen 2017 singer Axel Schylström reviews a dramatic weekend of Melfest action, before looking ahead to the third semi-final coming up this Saturday. There's also a chance to hear James' interviews with songwriting duo Anderz Wrethov and Linnea Deb, and there's more nominations for the Melfest Monday "Hall of Fame".

Axel Schylström (Part 1) - 03.12"

Melfest Monday Hall of Fame - 15.11"

Andrez Wrethov Interview - 21.30"

Linnea Deb Interview - 30.28"

Axel Schylström (Part 2) - 31.51"

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Daz Sampson & Zoom Quizzes

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 00:01:15 GMT

Make yourself comfortable and settle in for a bumper edition of the podcast this week, featuring former UK entry and wannabe Belarussian representative Daz Sampson, Melfest's Patrik Jean, and Ukrainian Eurovision jury member Yaroslav Lodygin.

08.14" - News Round-Up

13.15" - Yaroslav Lodygin discusses Ukraine's entry for Rotterdam

22.48" - Patrik Jean on his Melodifestivalen entry

27.24" - The 'Big Interview' with Daz Sampson

57.33" - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode Two

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:01:04 GMT

Melfest Semi Final One is done and dusted, so the boys get a helping hand from SVT's online expert Gustav Dahlander to debrief Saturday's show. He's a man with all the facts and stats so there's nobody better to give us the lowdown. Semi Final Two participants Julia Alfrida and Anton Ewald also join us to discuss their chances.

03:44 - Gustav Dahlander (Part 1)

14:05 - Melfest Monday Hall of Fame

18:31 - Julia Alfrida Interview

25:40 - Anton Ewald Interview

34:50 - Gustav Dahlander (Part 2)

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Sanna Nielsen & Bedspreads

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 00:01:15 GMT

In the week of Melodifestivalen, we speak to Swedish royalty Sanna Nielsen about her career, including her Eurovision journey in 2014. We also catch up with French journalist Sébastien Barké about last weekend's French selection and speak to another Eurovision 2021 hopeful.

08:13 - Eurovision news round-up

13:03 - Sébastien Barké on the French song for 2021

20:57 - Blind Channel's Niko on their Eurovision bid

28:50 - Sanna Nielsen Interview

50:51 - One Second Song

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Melfest Monday: Episode One

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT

With Melodifestivalen set to be bigger than ever before, Rob and James have decided to dedicate a podcast to all things Melfest 2021. In this first episode they're joined by Aftonbladet journalist Tobbe Ek, contest royalty Sanna Nielsen, and esteemed song writer Andreas Stone Johansson to preview Saturday's first semi-final.

4.38" - Tobbe Ek (Part 1)

11.18" - Sanna Nielsen

13.54" - Melfest Monday Hall of Fame

18.54" - Andreas Stone Johansson

28.35" - Tobbe Ek (Part 2)

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Atli Orvarsson & Shepherd's Pie

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 00:01:00 GMT

Eurovision national selection season is in full swing this week and the boys speak to a handful of those hoping to fly the flag for France at Eurovision 2021. Israel's former Head of Press Alon Amir shares his thoughts on Israel's song and we hear from Atli Orvarsson, the man behind the music in the Eurovision movie.

07:40 - Eurovision news round-up

11:43 - Alon Amir on Israel's song for 2021

18:30 - The thoughts from the French Eurovision hopefuls

30:22 - Atli Orvarsson Interview

46:46 - One Second Song

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Albert Cerny & the Norwegian Lottery

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:01:54 GMT

Lake Malawi front man Albert Cerny joins Rob and James to reflect on his Eurovision experience of Tel Aviv 2019, including how the trip inspired another of the group's hit songs. There's also the inside line on the Dutch Covid-19 situation with a journalist based in Rotterdam, and Croatian singer Nina Kraljic discusses her hopes to represent her country again in 2021.

07.03 - Eurovision News Round-Up

12.27 - Dutch journalist Sheila Kamerman on the Covid-19 situation in the Netherlands

19.24 - Nina Kraljic on her hopes for Dora 2021.

28.42 - Albert Cerny chats about his Eurovision experiences.

52.13 - The boys play another edition of the 'One Second Song'

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Dami Im & Lemonade

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 00:01:42 GMT

The boys are back for another jam packed episode featuring an in-depth interview with Australia's most successful artist at Eurovision: Dami Im. Rob and James also get the latest about Stefania's song for Greece plus they chat to one of this year's Eesti Laul contenders who has an unusual link to Eurovision.

06:26 - News round-up

10:36 - All the latest on the Greek song for 2021

17:19 - Sissi on her hopes to represent Estonia

28:08 - Dami Im Interview

50:44 - One Second Song

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Eldar Gasimov & New Year Resolutions

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 00:01:24 GMT

Rob and James return with their first episode of this year. With plenty to discuss, the boys canter through the latest news, including our first song of Eurovision 2021. There's a chat with ESC kompakt's Benjamin Hertlien about Germany's plans for the contest, Terence James discusses his hopes to represent France, and Eldar Gasimov reflects on his win in Dusseldorf.

07.26" - News round-up.

13.26" - Germany's plans for Eurovision 2021.

21.04" - Terence James on hopes to represent France.

30.24" - Eldar Gasimov Interview

51.39" - One Second Song

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The BBC & Eurovision

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 00:01:31 GMT

How often have you sat at home wondering what the BBC are thinking when it comes to Eurovision? Well wonder no more. In the second of our festive specials, James sits down with Series Producer Lee Smithurst to hear the broadcasters future plans. And... how they plan on getting the UK back on the left-hand side of the scoreboard.

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Eurovision's Rock 'n' Roll Winners

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 00:01:26 GMT

In a very special gift from us to you this holiday season, we're giving you a feature length interview with Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan, winners of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. In a wide-ranging chat, the pair discuss their careers before Eurovision, achieving their dream of winning the contest, and their thoughts on the modern day ESC itself.

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Alex Larke & Pinball Machines

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:01:34 GMT

Alex Larke joins the boys to talk about Eurovision 2015, an eye-opening conversation he had with Graham Norton and a potential Eurovision return. The European Quiz bids a fond farewell and there's some news about the special Christmas episodes to keep you company throughout the holidays.

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Kattis Ahlstrom & Sexy Songs

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 00:01:42 GMT

What's it like to host the world's biggest music competition? To find out the boys head back to 2000 in this week's big interview. There's also the return of the European Quiz, and in the News in Ninety Alistair Brown from Eurovoix joins Rob and James to discuss Eesti Laul 2021.

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Bonus Episode: Melodifestivalen Artist Reveal

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 00:01:40 GMT

We boys are back... and it isn't Wednesday. Rob and James get together to discuss the newly revealed Melodifestivalen 2021 line-up with a host of special guests. Aftonbladet journalist Tobbe Ek, singer Erik Gabriel (Lovers of Valdaro) and Melfest royalty Sanna Nielsen (Eurovision 2014) also discuss the contest, and what we can expect next year.

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Rasmussen & Paul the Octopus

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 00:01:53 GMT

After last weekend's Junior Eurovision Song Contest, the boys as joined by Eurovoix's Anthony to debrief the action. Rasmussen joins in the fun to chat about his Eurovision adventure from back in 2018 and the European Quiz returns and covers all things Romania.

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Junior Eurovision Special

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 00:01:20 GMT

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020 is here! To mark the occasion the boys dedicate a whole episode to all things JESC, including a chat with 2009 winner, Ralf Mackenbach. The Eurovision Hub team help predict a winner, and there's a One Second Song with a twist to round up this week's episode.

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Lőrinc Bubnó & Pink Elephants

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:01:25 GMT

Hungary's former Head of Delegation (basically the boss of a country's Eurovision entry) discusses what his job entailed and tells us why we no longer see the country at Eurovision. James brings another one of his unique Eurovision poems and we head to the Baltics for this week's European Quiz.

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Glen Vella & Noisy Beaches

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:01:49 GMT

Malta's 2011 entry discusses his time in Dusseldorf and gives his view on recent rule changes to the contest. There's a dose of Eurovision poetry as the boys get cultured, and Sam outdoes himself with some of the mispronunciations on this week's European Quiz.

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Didrik Solli-Tangen & Valentines Cards

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 00:01:52 GMT

Didrik Solli-Tangen represented Norway the year after Alexander Rybak's unprecedented success, he joins us to discuss his Eurovision journey in 2010. Rob reveals how a Eurovision song bagged him a date on Valentines Day and the boys discuss this week's news with help from Alistair from Eurovoix.

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Eurovision winner Dave Benton & Camembert Love

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 23:01:07 GMT

We've got a girthy episode for you this week as Eurovision 2001 winner Dave Benton joins us on the podcast to discuss what it's like to win the world's biggest music competition, and, how he almost turned down the song! There's also touch of Montenegro in the news in ninety, and possibly the most difficult One Second Song yet.

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Philip Vella & Croatian Touching

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 23:01:38 GMT

If you thought last week went off track, wait until you hear what happens this week. The boys are joined by a special guest to host this week's episode, confusion once again sweeps the One Second Song and Philip Vella joins the boys to explain what it's like to be a six-time Eurovision songwriter.

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Miriam Christine & Armenian Swans

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 23:01:39 GMT

This week's big interview is with Miriam Christine, a woman who represented Malta at Eurovision despite being born in Brazil. The boys discuss the new-look Junior Eurovision Song Contest, the European Quiz heads east and will somebody finally score some points in this week's One Second Song?

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Dea Norberg & Andorran Elephants

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 23:01:57 GMT

The big interview this week comes from a woman who (we think?!) has sung at Eurovision more times than anyone else. Dea Norberg takes us all the way back to 1999, as well as explaining how you represent two countries on the same night. The European Quiz and One Second Song return, and there's plenty of Junior Eurovision chat too.

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Alex Panayi & Melfest New Year

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 23:01:35 GMT

Sorry Bonnie, we love you really! Rob and James return this week with fully fledged Eurovision legend Alex Panayi, they take on more ridiculous questions in the European Quiz, and Melfest New Year is finally here!

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Katrīna Dimanta & Little Birds

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 23:01:06 GMT

She had a "Cake To Bake" in 2014, now Katrīna Dimanta shares more from her time in Copenhagen. The boys tackle even more bizarre and weird questions in the European quiz, and could we finally have a correct answer on the One Second Song?

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Nicki French & Alaskan men in check

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 23:01:42 GMT

Eurovision legend Nicki French lets the boys into an incredible secret about her iconic purple jacket. The European Quiz returns for another week (unfortunately without a new name) and over a year early... who will win the first ever American Song Contest?!

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